The first ever orbital satellite launch from the UK — and Europe — was set for takeoff on Monday, January 9. The so-called “Start Me UP” mission, led by US-based Virgin Orbit, set out from Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Airport at around 21:15 UTC.
At the center of the mission was a modified Boeing 747 aircraft, the Cosmic Girl, fitted with Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One rocket, which was carrying nine civil and defense satellites.
Interested viewers who watched the launch via Virgin Orbit’s livestream below were faced with disappointment: the mission failed.