ANA to cooperate with Virgin Orbit
The small satellite launch company Virgin Orbit has signed an agreement with ANA Holdings, the parent company of All Nippon Airways (ANA), to bring the company’s "LauncherOne" service to Japan.
Virgin Orbit’s system, which uses a B747 widebody jet as a "flying launch pad" for its rocket, will complement existing Japanese ground launch vehicles, helping to elevate Japan as the premier space transport hub in Asia. The MoU charts out a long-term partnership between ANA and Virgin Orbit.
Under the terms of the agreement, ANA will evaluate the capabilities to provide aircraft and ground support equipment maintenance and potentially additional aircraft to support Virgin Orbit’s local launch operations, as well as logistics and transport services for Virgin Orbit’s broader launch operations across Asia. (ah)