virgin galactic launcherOne rocket

the 'launcher one' rocket is the newest part of virgin atlantic's system for launching satellites into low orbit from mid-air


at the 2012 farnborough air show, virgin galactic has announced 'launcher one', the company's low-cost system that would enable satellites
to be launched into space from mid-air, rather than through ground-based launch pads.

the 'launcher one' rocket itself would be hoisted about 50,000 feet into the sky using virgin galactic's 'whiteknighttwo' aircraft, a fully tested, 
all-composite aircraft whose first model 'eve' is already nearing the end of complete flight testing program as it approaches its 100th test flight.
at the proper altitude and location, the two-stage rocket would be released, at which point it would freefall for approximately four seconds 
before the first stage ignites.

in general, 'launcher one' is capable of delivering satellites as heavy as 500 pounds (225kg) to a low earth orbit, or 225 pounds (100kg) 
to the higher altitude 'sun-synchronous low earth orbit'. each launch would comprise a cost of under 10 million USD, an extremely low sum
compared to the current average price of 51 million USD. in addition, by removing the need for any ground infrastructure, the system permits
satellites to be launched from almost anywhere, rather than the small selection of locations that are currently equipped to stage rocket launches.

virgin galactic has stated that work on 'launcher one' has already begun. clients for the technology include skybox constellation imaging; 
geo-optics remote sensing satellite producers; planetary resources, the recently announced asteroid mining venture; and spaceflight small 
satellite aggregator.



front view render of the 'whiteknighttwo' carrying the 'launcher one' into the stratosphere



closer view from behind of the 'launcher one' rocket onboard the 'whiteknighttwo' aircraft



after being released into free fall from the aircraft, the 'launcher one' would fire up to propel itself and its satellite cargo into space



render of the 'launcher one' rocket ejecting its satellite cargo once it achieves low orbit



example render of the kind of small research or commercial satellite that 'launcher one' could send into orbit



sir richard branson discusses the design of and impetus behind the 'launcher one'