The first-ever satellite mission launched from UK soil may have faced a setback, but it’s not the end of the journey!
The American Virgin Orbit company, operating from Newquay, Cornwall, ignited a rocket high over the Atlantic Ocean, but the company later reported that the rocket experienced an “anomaly” and the satellites it was carrying could not be released.
Although this mission may not have gone as planned, it’s important to remember that setbacks and failures are a part of any journey towards progress and innovation.
The ambition to turn the UK into a global player in the space industry, from manufacturing satellites, to building rockets and creating new spaceports, is still a goal worth striving for.
Speaking to the BBC the Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, Ian Annett, reminds us that “we get up, we go back, we try again, that’s what defines us.”
This mission marks a major milestone for the UK space industry and serves as a reminder that space exploration is not without its challenges.
The team will now conduct a deep dive into the data that the rocket returned to try to figure out exactly what went wrong.
The Cosmic Girl, the carrier 747 jet, returned safely to base and the company predicts further launches within the next 12 months. So let’s look forward to the future and the opportunities for learning and growth that come with it.
