The first test flight of Virgin Orbit's rocket-launching plane is scheduled to take place next year. Orbit is one of three companies at Virgin that's focused on space. Orbit is based around launching rockets, Galactic is focused on human spaceflight, and the SpaceShip Company is building aerospace vehicles.
Orbit's first flight with its LauncherOne rocket is set to occur before July 2018. It's using a 747-400 aircraft known as Cosmic Girl for the flight.
Cosmic Girl will bring LauncherOne to 35,000 feet, at which point the rocket will ascend into space, carrying up to a 300 kg payload.
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