Issue 387: Virgin Orbit, Qantas 747s & Little Wings

This issue, we begin with a genuine world exclusive with Virgin Orbit, one of the biggest names in the space and aviation industries. When I speculatively approached the business for an interview, I did so in the hope it would throw me the bone of a lowly spokesman. I was gobsmacked therefore, when I was invited for a video call with the its CEO, Dan Hart. For those unaware, Orbit is known for launching satellites not from rockets – but 747s. It works because the Queen of the Skies has a little-known ability attach a fifth engine, enabling it to carry a rocket with a small modification. In fact, the exact aircraft Orbit is using, named Cosmic Girl, used to be an active member of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet , flying from London to New York.