First time a satellite has departed from western European soil.
But the launch is also seen by many as a blueprint for quicker launches of limited satellite capacity for tactical military purposes, in what planners call “Responsive Launch”.
Virgin Orbit said last year Britain’s Royal Air Force was doing exercises to demonstrate the value of Responsive Launch. Now, constellations of miniaturised satellites are heading an explosion of commercial activity in low Earth orbit. “It’s a natural transition that helps us develop security capabilities, but also, for government, keeps costs down whilst providing commercial opportunities as well.”
Its defence ministry has called for “new, more flexible and agile satellite launch procedures and techniques from Europe”.Britain’s own 2022-25 space roadmap calls for dual-use capabilities in Earth observation and space domain awareness.Questions remain, however, over how quickly the mobile launch concept could work its way into actual budgets, which are dwarfed by US spending on space.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Let it snow, please, say European ski resorts as 2023 begins with winter heatwaveLet it snow, please, say European ski resorts as 2023 begins with winter heatwave via IrishTimesBiz
Read more »
Roy Keane says his first date with wife of 26 years went 'very badly'The football icon explained that when he asked his now wife if he would be seeing her again after their less than perfect first date she said 'I don't think so!'
Read more »
Roy Keane recalls disastrous first date with wife on RTE's Tommy Tiernan ShowHe first met Theresa in a club in Nottingham and they later went on a date - that ended 'very badly'
Read more »
Mahomes sets NFL record as Chiefs secure top seed and first-round byeMeanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 20-16 to clinch the AFC South title.
Read more »