Virgin Orbit is already preparing for its forthcoming launch, Straight Up, which will support the United States Space Force's STP-28A mission.
Straight Up is expected to launch no earlier than June 29. The launch window is projected to open at 8 pm local time.
According to Aerotech News, after departing Virgin Orbit's Long Beach, Calif., rocket factory on April 28, LauncherOne arrived at the Mojave Air and Space Port.
It is now ready to support the Rocket Systems Launch Program and will carry payloads for the Defense Department Space Test Program.
What's the Next Step for Virgin Orbit?
Virgin Orbit will proceed with the integration testing with the aircraft and ground equipment. It will be followed by a full launch rehearsal and final mating to the customized Boeing 747, Cosmic Girl, that Virgin Orbit uses as a reusable launch pad and mobile mission control room, according to a report from Virgin Orbit.
Straight Up launch is significant for Virgin Orbit as it marks the first night mission for the responsive launch company. The target orbit is approximately 500km above the Earth's surface at 45 degrees inclination. It is an orbit that no other system has reached from the West Coast.
Playing a key role in the Straight Up launch is the Virgin Orbit National Systems team, which has developed and provided services to the national security community, focused on defense and the protection of the US and its allies through Virgin Orbit's responsive space capabilities, said Virgin Orbit website.
As of writing, Virgin Orbit has launched three successful back-to-back launches, including eight DoD Science and Technology demonstrations across two flights.
"Virgin Orbit has been rising 'straight up' since we began commercial launch operations 18 months ago," said Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart.
Hart also said that we are seeing the importance of space to the security of the US and allied countries.
"We are honored and committed to supporting the Space Force at this critical time," Hart added.
Mark Baird, President of the newly renamed Virgin Orbit National Systems (formerly VOX Space) stated, "We believe this launch will demonstrate the significant maturation and operationalization of a unique capability. I'm excited to see Straight Up, wheels up."
Read Also: Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne: The Company's First Rocket to Reach the Earth's Orbit
Virgin Orbit Unveils Expansion of Fleet
Virgin Orbit unveiled the expansion of its fleet one day after announcing the launch. They stated that a second modified plane will join Cosmic Girl in carrying out launch missions around the world, according to Long Beach Business Journal.
Florida-based aerospace and defense innovator L3Harris Technologies, which partnered with Virgin for the development of Cosmic Girl, will again modify a 747 to carry and deploy the LauncherOne system, said Long Beach Business Journal in a report.
According to the announcement, the agreement is for L3Harris to acquire two 747 airframes, one of which is slated to be modified and delivered to Virgin in 2023.
However, it was not immediately clear when the third aircraft would be modified and delivered.
According to the website of Virgin Orbit, the launch name, Straight Up, is inspired by American singer Paula Abdul's breakthrough song Straight Up from her debut studio album Forever Your Girl.
The song was released through Virgin Records on 21 June 1988 and it was the most successful debut album ever at the time of its release. The song has remained Abdul's biggest international hit to date.
Related Article: Virgin Orbit Plans to Have First UK Orbital Launch - When Will It Happen?
