# Satellite Launch Agreements Virgin Orbit Will Put Satellites into Orbit for the UK Air Force By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-07-23 | Updated 2019-07-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virgin-orbit-raf References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2019/07/19/virgin-orbit-signs-agreement-to-launch-small-satellites-for-the-uks-royal-air-force/) & [virginorbit](https://virginorbit.com/) [Virgin Orbit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virgin-media) has entered into an agreement to launch satellites for the UK Royal Air Force. The agreement will be part of the Royal Air Force's project, titled [Artemis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u1spg-nasa-artemis). Virgin Orbit will launch the hardware into orbit, which will be provided by Guilford, which is a UK based organization. The launch method that will be implemented will not involve rockets. Instead, a rocket will be attached to the wings of an altered [Boeing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boeing-and-united-airlines) 747, which will bring the rocket to the top of its cruising altitude and then launch the rocket. The launch method works well with smaller satellites, but not large ones due to the carrying capacity of the Boeing Plane. Image Credit: Virgin ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Satellite Launch Technology:** Exploring new launch methods beyond traditional rockets for smaller satellites. - **Military Satellite Partnerships:** Collaborating with private space companies to enhance military satellite capabilities. - **Aerospace Industry Innovation:** Developing disruptive solutions for satellite deployment using modified aircraft. ### Where This Applies - **Space Exploration:** Leveraging alternative launch technologies to improve satellite deployment. - **Defense and Security:** Seeking partnerships to enhance military satellite communications and reconnaissance. - **Aviation:** Exploring potential modifications of aircraft for satellite launch purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Patrol Mission Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kleos-space.md) - [IoT Space Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isar-aerospace.md) - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [Orbital Service Satellite Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-system.md) - [IoT-Focused Satellite Deployments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-kite.md) - [Space-Launching Science Missions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1.md) - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md) - [Uk Electric Air Taxis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/l-aerospace-valo.md) - [Complimentary Airplane WiFi Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/british-airways-and-starlink.md)