Virgin Orbit has launched a drop test of its satellite booster over California - the same technology that could be used at Cornwall's proposed new Spaceport at Newquay Airport.
The 70ft LauncherOne rocket was released from a Boeing 747 flying 35,000 feet over an Edwards Air Force Base test range in the Mojave Desert in a key step forward for Virgin Galactic's space missions.
The purpose of the test was to observe how the rocket detached from the 747's wing and its freefall to the desert before the first actual orbital launch later this year.
The test did not involve the ignition of the rocket motor.
"The release was extremely smooth, and the rocket fell away nicely," chief test pilot Kelly Latimer said.
Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart said it was "a monumental step forward" for the project. "It's the capstone to a thorough development programme not just for a rocket, but for our carrier aircraft, our ground support equipment, and all of our flight procedures," he said.
The California-based company founded by Sir Richard Branson will use the system to launch small satellites - weighing from about 660 to 1,100 pounds - into space.
The 747 - named Cosmic Girl - will fly from multiple locations around the globe, enabling access to orbits that are more difficult to reach from fixed launch sites.
Sir Richard Branson on Spaceport Cornwall
Virgin entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson says he's very excited about the potential for Spaceport Cornnwall after the announcement that up to £20 million is to be made available for space missions from the duchy.
Branson's Virgin Orbit company has signed an agreement to used Spaceport Cornwall as the European launch site for its LauncherOne system and Cosmic Girl aircraft.
It will be used to launch small satellites into space. The system is currently undergoing testing in the US with a view to launch flights from Cornwall in the early 2020s.
In a blog post about the Cornwall project, Sir Richard wrote: "I’m very fond of Cornwall as I spent many holidays there as a child with a bucket and spade. We spent time in that beautiful part of the world when we broke the world record for the fastest Atlantic ship crossing. In 2013 we reunited all the crew and sailed from Plymouth to Fowey, after the vessel was restored by a Cornwall local. I have such wonderful memories of adventure in that part of the world and it’s lovely for a Virgin company to make it their home in Britain.
"Satellites have never launched from Britain so it’s thrilling to be leading the way and it’s such wonderful news that will bring jobs and innovation to the UK.
"Virgin Orbit will revolutionise launching small satellites with our 'mobile launch pad', a modified 747 named Cosmic Girl. It will carry LauncherOne to more than 30,000 feet before the rocket engages its thrusters and flies into orbit - travelling at 17,500mph, dropping off satellites and connecting the world. LauncherOne offers satellite customers an unparalleled level of control over when and where their spacecraft are deployed.
"By bringing Virgin Orbit’s launch service from California to Cornwall (subject to US regulatory approval – but we’ve taken the first steps in that direction), we’re in a unique position to stimulate the space economy, strengthen the US-UK partnership, and inspire a whole new generation of space lovers.
Virgin Orbit recently announced an agreement with ANA Holdings, parent of All Nippon Airways, to bring its service to Japan.
The memorandum of understanding calls for ANA to evaluate its capability to provide ground support, maintenance and possibly aircraft.
Virgin Orbit plans that its initial launch missions will fly out of Mojave Air and Space Port in the California desert.
Other sites may include Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, Spaceport Cornwall and the Taranto-Grottaglie Airport in Italy.
Virgin Galactic, meanwhile, is moving personnel from Mojave, where it developed its space tourism rocket plane, to Spaceport America in southern New Mexico in preparation for commercial operations.
Virgin Galactic this week announced a merger with Social Capital Hedosophia and plans to go public.