Virgin Orbit UK space launch – all you need to know

History is set to be made with the first ever space launch from the United Kingdom (UK). Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400, N744VG, is due to take off this evening from Spaceport Cornwall carrying a rocket under its left wing which it will launch in-flight and then ascend into space carrying satellites. The mission named Start Me Up, in honour of the Rolling Stones’ 1981 hit, is a joint effort by the United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA), Virgin Orbit, Cornwall Council