LAUNCHER ONE ORBITAL TEST FLIGHT (VIRGIN ORBIT), May 25, 2020, Pacific Ocean, window open 1:00-5:00 pm ET

Update, May 25, 4:05 pm ET:   The mission took place, but did not succeed.

We’ve confirmed a clean release from the aircraft. However, the mission terminated shortly into the flight. Cosmic Girl and our flight crew are safe and returning to base.

— Virgin Orbit (@Virgin_Orbit) May 25, 2020

Update, May 24, 9:30 pm ET: They now say they will try again tomorrow, May 25, during the same launch window.

Our team has worked diligently to resolve the sensor issue and recycle the system. We’re now back in the countdown, and are currently targeting another launch attempt tomorrow, with our window again open from 10 AM to 2 PM Pacific (17:00 – 21:00 UTC). pic.twitter.com/2cifLLKgfK

— Virgin Orbit (@Virgin_Orbit) May 25, 2020

Update, May 24:  The launch has been postponed.

This means we are scrubbed for today. Currently, it appears we’ve got a straightforward path to address this minor sensor issue and recycle quickly. The crew are already hard at work putting that plan into action. We’ll provide an update on the new launch target later today.

— Virgin Orbit (@Virgin_Orbit) May 24, 2020

Original Entry: Virgin Orbit will conduct its first test launch to orbit on May 24, 2020.  The air-launched rocket, LauncherOne, will be carried aloft by the 747 aircraft Cosmic Girl, departing from Mojave Air and Space Port, CA.  Once in the drop zone over the Pacific Ocean, the two-stage LauncherOne will be released, fire its engines, and deliver a test payload to orbit.

The window for this test is open from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Pacific Time (1:00-5:00 pm Eastern).

There will be no live webcast, but the company will live TWEET the event:@Virgin_Orbit