CNN
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Located in the far southwestern corner of England, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall is not typically considered the center of attention. However, local residents have recently been captivated by a remarkable sight in the sky: a unique plane taking off from the small Newquay Airport, circling above the coastline, and then returning to land.
This is no ordinary plane. It is a modified Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” which has been repurposed for space exploration. In the coming month, this iconic aircraft will participate in the United Kingdom’s first orbital space launch, taking off from Spaceport Cornwall and utilizing the airport’s regular runway.
Marc Andrew, a local resident, eagerly witnessed the plane’s recent landing and plans to return for the November launch. He shared, “It was an amazing sight, and one that I’ll proudly tell my son about in the future.”
Affectionately named “Cosmic Girl,” this modified Boeing 747 serves as the carrier for Virgin Orbit’s mission to launch seven satellites into space.
Previously operated as a passenger jet by Virgin Atlantic until 2015, the plane has now been equipped to transport LauncherOne, a rocket manufactured in California, into Earth’s orbit.
Next month, Cosmic Girl will depart from Newquay’s clifftop runway with LauncherOne, and once the 747 reaches an altitude of 34,000 feet, the rocket will be released to begin its journey into space.
Onboard the rocket will be seven payloads, or satellites, which will enter into low Earth orbit and start their mission of scientific exploration.
During a previous trial, the rocket was released from beneath the 747’s left wing and reached speeds of up to 17,000 miles per hour as it raced toward space.
Virgin Orbit explained that using a 747 for a horizontal launch allows for a wider range of orbits compared to traditional ground-launched systems.
This landmark event will mark the first orbital space launch for the UK and the first international launch for Virgin Orbit. Ian Annett, deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, also noted that it will be Europe’s inaugural satellite launch.
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