The UK counts down to its first ever orbital satellite launch

The first ever orbital satellite launch from the UK — and Europe — is set for takeoff tonight (Monday, January 9). The so-called “Start Me UP” mission, led by US-based Virgin Orbit, will set out from Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Airport at around 21:15 UTC. You can watch the launch via Virgin Orbit’s livestream below: At the center of the mission is a modified Boeing 747 aircraft, the Cosmic Girl, which is fitted with Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One rocket carrying nine civil and defense satellites. Cosmic Girl will take off from Spaceport Cornwall and will ascend to an altitude of 35,000…

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