29 May 2020: In an exciting step forward in the satellite launching technology Panasonic’s latest high speed inflight connectivity system has been installed on carrier aircraft for Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system. This will enable the Virgin Orbit to monitor the health of the launch system over land and sea. The high bandwidth capacity of Panasonic’s connectivity network will ensure Virgin Orbit’s mission control centre can quickly and easily communicate with the rocket prior to launch.
Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation said, “Panasonic Avionics’ proven inflight connectivity services are used by airlines around the world to provide operational connectivity for not just passengers, but aircraft and their systems, and we look forward to supporting Virgin Orbit by providing a critical live link between air and ground. We are thrilled to support their vision with our inflight connectivity."
The carrier aircraft for LauncherOne system is Cosmic Girl, which is the modified Boeing 747-400 which will allow it to operate from locations all over the world in order to best serve each customer’s needs. Currently Virgin Orbit is undergoing final rehearsals for an orbital launch demonstration to be expected soon.
“We designed LauncherOne to be more mobile and flexible than any other platform out there, and that’s required us to implement innovative, cutting-edge solutions throughout the system. We’re grateful to Panasonic Avionics for their support helping us keep eyes on our flight crew, Cosmic Girl, and the rocket as we fly out to our launch point. We’re certainly looking forward to having this technology in action during our upcoming launch demo,” said Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart.
LauncherOne is built and operated by Virgin Orbit, it is the most flexible and responsive satellite launcher and is a dedicated launch service for commercial and government-built small satellites