Important Innovations

  Satellite Launching Business                                                  Source:  Virgin Orbit Targets $1 Billion Valuation Richard Branson's satellite launching business Virgin Orbit hopes to raise $200 million in a round of funding.  That would place the valuation of the company at $1 Billion.  The money will be used to fund satellite launches and for capital expenditures.   The Wall Street Journal first reported Branson's target of $200 million in funding. 747 Jumbo Jet Approach Branson is using highly modified 747 jumbo jets to launch, from mid air, rockets carrying satellites and place them in orbit.  The target market is small satellites ranging from the size of a toaster to a household refrigerator.  The satellites are placed in low Earth orbit for highly sophisticated services ranging from commercial applications to national security information gathering.  Launches can originate from any airports capable of 747 take-offs and landings. Space Competition Virgin Or

New Tech: Launching Satellites From 747 Aircraft Source:  Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit's Air Launch System Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit just successfully tested its modified 747 aircraft - Cosmic Girl - that can fire off a rocket containing a satellite and place it in orbit.  The company is planning on its first commercial launch by the end of this summer.  For a great news blog, go to Important Innovations Collection: Launching Satellites From 747 Planes : Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit  Air Launch System Source:  Virgin Orbit's  747 with rocket under its wing Close to Commercial ...