The AAIB report explains various findings related to the fuel filter dislodgement. When the filter dislocated, the engine received insufficient fuel, causing incomplete combustion. This led to overheating in the engine, exceeding its operational range and damaging nearby components. Consequently, these cascading failures forced an early shutdown of the second stage engine, which was necessary to place the rocket into orbit and complete the mission.
Premature Shutdown and Consequences AAIBÂ
As the surrounding circumstances developed, the premature shutdown of the second stage engine meant that it was impossible for the rocket to keep the proper trajectory in order to complete the orbit insertion. This way the second stage together with the satellites on board returned to the Atlantic Ocean further aggravating the situation and losing vital mission objectives. The rocket, intended to carry all the satellites into orbit, failed to fulfill its purpose, resulting in the loss of all the payloads as well.
Carrier Aircraft Operation Safety AAIBÂ
Although the rocket failed, which was particularly disappointing, safety precautions allowed the carrier aircraft, a modified Boeing 747 known as “Cosmic Girl,” to carry out its portion of the mission unharmed. The airliner that dropped the rocket at altitude did not experience any accidents, eliminating potential hazards for the flight crew.
Space Lessons for UK Space Industry
The mission had been marketed as a major breakthrough for the UK space industry which was keen to expand into satellite launches. Regardless of the failure, it also gave extensive lessons on the orbital launch challenges and highlighted the necessity of carrying out thorough testing and quality assurance in the various processes involved, including those of specially engineered parts such as the fuel filter. The UK space sector, however, is resolved to benefit from this lesson and enhance future launch operations.
Moving Forward
Despite the disappointment felt by the blackout-on-time events, it has not dampened the enthusiasm within the UK space industry. Virgin Orbit and its partners are analyzing the findings to avoid a repeat of the same averting concerns on future missions. We hope to overcome these technical problems, allowing for successful satellite launches in the future. This progress will create a functioning space launch market within the UK and help realize its aspirations to become a key sector in the international space industry.
