Virgin first Orbit launched a carrier rocket LauncherOne, for air launch. A modified Boeing 747 Cosmic Girl took off with a rocket under the wing, and then dropped her, whereupon she started the engine and began the climb. The company expects that air launch will allow us to provide low-cost launches of small satellites with different spaceports and airports.
From the editor
After resetting the plane Virgin Orbit said on Twitterthat the rocket had finished the flight shortly after launch, but the plane with the crew are safe and back on the airfield. The note text was changed in accordance with new information.