Poland Signed an Agreement to Use Virgin Orbit’s Rocket Launcher for Small Satellites

Poland will finally conduct its first space mission of sending small satellites after the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) signed a letter of intent with Virgin Orbit.

The collaboration agreement includes Poland’s adoption of LauncherOne to support the country’s SciTech and economy. LauncherOne is a launch vehicle to carry small satellites designed and operated by Virgin Orbit.

The agreement was inked in Los Angeles by POLSA President Grzegorz Wrochna and Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart. The signing was also witnessed by Piotr Nowak, Polish Minister of Economic Development and Technology. He then took his excitement about the deal to his Twitter account, saying, “We are one step further! The first launch is planned: 2023.”

Technological advancements promoted by Virgin Orbit

Virgin Orbit recognizes the potential of Poland’s industrial space growth, and the California-based company is interested in supporting any future domestic launches carried out by Poland. Through small satellite launches, Virgin is also seeing a new chapter in space capabilities.

Besides being able to facilitate communication and research, small satellites can also help economic growth through the science and technology sector. The application of LauncherOne is anticipated to support Poland in this case.

Image: Virgin Orbit

In order to lower the cost of launching and producing the satellite itself, satellites can be made small, weighing up to 300 kg. Small satellite launches are also easier and safer since they are lighter in weight and do not require as much force as bigger spacecraft do.

“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,” Piotr Nowak stated.

An air-launched rocket: a practical space launch solution

The LauncherOne rocket from Virgin Orbit is an air-launched rocket designed to deliver small satellites into orbit. The intended orbit is a Sun-synchronous orbit where the satellites pass over the same area of the Earth at the same local solar time. This is extremely beneficial for communication and data collection.

Virgin Orbit has unveiled its remarkable new capabilities through an air-launch conducted by its LauncherOne rocket, following three successful commercial launches from a ground spaceport. The company’s rocket will be carried beneath the wing of a modified Boeing 747-400. The Boeing, dubbed “Cosmic Girl”, will ascend to the upper atmosphere to transport the rocket launcher, from where an air launch of a small satellite packed inside will take place.

Image: Virgin Orbit

Virgin Orbit can thus launch anywhere in the world using this air-based launch. It offers a practical and flexible launch method, particularly for countries or regions where spaceflight is circumscribed.

Dan Hart, the CEO of Virgin Orbit, said, “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.”

The President of POLSA, who’s getting his feet wet with the space mission, underlined that the signing of the agreement was the culmination of months of negotiations and close collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.