Virgin Orbit’s Start Me Up mission hoped to be historical: being the first orbital launch from the UK, the first international launch for Virgin Orbit, and holding the first satellite built in Wales.
Investigations into the reason for the project’s failure are still ongoing, but preliminary evidence suggests that the problem lies with a filter in the rocket’s second-stage propulsion system. The filter was dislodged, causing issues downstream and ultimately leading to a premature shutdown of the engine.
The project highlights the complexity of space missions and the importance of every single component – including micromotors – in ensuring a safe and successful mission. But what can reliable micromotors do for space applications?
Read the full article in DPA's July issue