RAF man set to unleash Virgin Orbit space rocket over Pacific
Thread Starter
RAF Unleashes Virgin
Did not know whether I should put this here or in space thread
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59972909
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59972909
RAF man set to unleash Virgin Orbit space rocket over Pacific
On the Beeb News site.
article intro:-
Click the link for photos, diagrams & links.
article intro:-
RAF pilot Matthew Stannard will be in the cockpit of a jumbo jet on Thursday when it launches a rocket to space from out over the Pacific Ocean.
The aviator is currently seconded to Sir Richard Branson's satellite launch company, Virgin Orbit, which will be attempting to loft seven spacecraft.
"Stanny", as he's known, is more accustomed to firing missiles from Tornado and Typhoon fighter jets.
Unleashing a 21m (70ft) space booster will be a new experience.
"Stanny has been a wonderful addition to our team. As you'd expect given his background with the RAF, he brings a bright intellect, incredible attention to detail, and an excellent experience base, in addition to his world-class piloting skills," said Virgin Orbit chief operating officer Tony Gingiss.
"Stanny's been deeply involved in all of our planning, and after flying on our previous mission and logging many hours in the simulator, he will be in the right seat for our upcoming 'Above the Clouds' flight, releasing our LauncherOne rocket at the right time, sending our customers' satellites on their way to orbit," the executive told BBC News.
The UK Ministry of Defence anticipates using Virgin Orbit to launch military satellites in the future, and is building a pool of experience in advance of this happening.
The aviator is currently seconded to Sir Richard Branson's satellite launch company, Virgin Orbit, which will be attempting to loft seven spacecraft.
"Stanny", as he's known, is more accustomed to firing missiles from Tornado and Typhoon fighter jets.
Unleashing a 21m (70ft) space booster will be a new experience.
"Stanny has been a wonderful addition to our team. As you'd expect given his background with the RAF, he brings a bright intellect, incredible attention to detail, and an excellent experience base, in addition to his world-class piloting skills," said Virgin Orbit chief operating officer Tony Gingiss.
"Stanny's been deeply involved in all of our planning, and after flying on our previous mission and logging many hours in the simulator, he will be in the right seat for our upcoming 'Above the Clouds' flight, releasing our LauncherOne rocket at the right time, sending our customers' satellites on their way to orbit," the executive told BBC News.
The UK Ministry of Defence anticipates using Virgin Orbit to launch military satellites in the future, and is building a pool of experience in advance of this happening.
Already a thread here: https://www.pprune.org/space-flight-...es-virgin.html
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he will be in the right seat for our upcoming 'Above the Clouds' flight, releasing our LauncherOne rocket at the right time, sending our customers' satellites on their way to orbit," the executive told BBC News.
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Not the first time that an RAF pilot sends a virgin into space…… 
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I started it here, the mods moved it - not that I am complaining, far from it. I think our mods are the finest kind, wonderful human beings, salt of the earth, great chaps and chapesses to a person.
The link to the moved thread is still here, they think of everything.
The link to the moved thread is still here, they think of everything.
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