The Polish Space Agency (POLSA) has signed a letter of intent with Virgin Orbit to evaluate how its LauncherOne can support the country's science and technology industries. This marks Poland's entry into the small satellite launch market.
Following several months of negotiations and an official visit to Virgin Orbit’s factory in Long Beach, California, the letter was signed by Professor Grzegorz Wrochna, POLSA President, and Dan Hart, Virgin Orbit CEO.
The signing took place in the presence of Piotr Nowak, Polish Minister of Economic Development and Technology, who added,
“For Poland, today's event is another step towards building a sovereign satellite system, which is crucial in the current geopolitical situation. Development of new technologies, including navigation, Earth imaging or telecommunications are irreplaceable in ensuring national security and solving crisis situations."
Small satellites drive advances in science and technology
The small satellite launch market is growing rapidly, with Virgin Orbit labeling it "a new era in space capabilities." In addition to strengthening national security, small satellites can also facilitate communications and research, and stimulate economic growth through science and technology.
Weighing less than larger satellites, they do not require the same amount of thrust to launch, making them more cost-effective too – Virgin Orbit’s launch prices start at $12 million.
Virgin Orbit CEO, Dan Hart stated,
“Today’s agreement marks an important step to providing assured access to space for Poland and surrounding nations, serving Polish industry, science and security. Poland’s forward thinking is inspiring at this critical juncture for Europe and we’re honored to serve them and partner with the Polish space community to open space for good.”
Cosmic Girl
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne is an air-launched rocket, designed to carry small satellites up to 660 lb (300 kg) into Sun-synchronous orbit. A satellite in Sun-synchronous orbit passes the same part of the Earth at the same time each day, facilitating communication and data collection.
The rocket is carried underneath the wing of a modified Boeing 747-400 (aptly named Cosmic Girl) to the upper atmosphere, from where it is air-launched. This gives Virgin Orbit the flexibility to operate from locations all over the world, and opens up the possibility of space launches to regions where this would not otherwise be possible.
Virgin Orbit – a launch service provider
Virgin Orbit is a launch service provider, founded in 2017 as part of the Virgin Group. It took over small satellite launches from Virgin Galactic, which now focuses solely on passenger space flights.
Launch services began in 2021 and Virgin Orbit has since expanded internationally. Plans are in place for launches from Oita, Japan, and Alcantara, Brazil, as well as from Spaceport Cornwall (based at Newquay Cornwall Airport) in the United Kingdom.
With at least five more launches currently planned f 2022, the sky really is the limit for Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne. Will we see more countries making use of LauncherOne to develop their space programs in the future?