Virgin Orbit has revealed the anticipated timeframe for its subsequent orbital launch endeavor, building upon an earlier demonstration flight this year that proceeded successfully for the majority of its duration—until the rocket detached from the airborne launch platform and initiated its own engines for the critical final phase of the journey to space. The company states that it has implemented several enhancements based on the insights gained from that initial attempt, encompassing improvements to the engine mechanisms, the carrier aircraft, and the data processing systems, all aimed at achieving a more successful demonstration flight this time around.

The designated launch period is December 19, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. PST. A contingency window is also scheduled for December 20, spanning comparable hours, according to the company, with additional opportunities in the ensuing weeks should rescheduling become necessary. This demonstration will encompass a complete launch sequence utilizing the entire Virgin Orbit launch infrastructure, including the Cosmic Girl launch aircraft—a repurposed 747 passenger jet—and LauncherOne, the rocket that separates from Cosmic Girl at altitude before activating its engines to propel itself into space carrying small satellite payloads.

Virgin Orbit’s approach is distinctive due to its capability to operate from conventional airports, negating the requirement for dedicated launch facilities and potentially enabling a degree of global launch adaptability with minimal logistical complexity. Furthermore, it presents the possibility of providing cost and scheduling benefits to companies deploying small satellites, allowing them to launch a single spacecraft or a limited number without being dependent on rideshare opportunities on larger rockets, such as those offered by SpaceX, or incurring the higher costs associated with services like Rocket Lab’s.

During the May attempt, Virgin Orbit’s flight progressed flawlessly from takeoff through the separation of LauncherOne from the carrier aircraft. The rocket’s engines ignited as scheduled; however, they ceased operation almost immediately due to an integrated safety mechanism that functioned as intended when it registered anomalous data.

With this second launch attempt, Virgin Orbit intends to demonstrate the full operational capability of its system from that point onward, including a complete first-stage powered flight and the functioning of the upper stage. The importance of this mission is heightened by the fact that it will carry genuine customer satellites, despite still being classified as a demonstration mission—primarily intended for data acquisition.

The ten payloads onboard are provided by NASA and represent a variety of scientific and educational initiatives developed exclusively by universities and academic organizations within the United States.