Virgin Orbit may take off from Brazil

BRASILIA: Billionaire Richard Branson’s modified Boeing 747 may soon be taking off from Brazil’s northern coast to launch rockets into orbit as the country seeks a piece of the small satellite market.

The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and Air Force announced last week the selection of four companies, including Branson’s Virgin Orbit, to operate from the Alcântara launch centre.

Its location near the equator allows for larger payloads and less costly rocket launches, said AEB head Carlos Moura, who forecast the first-ever orbital flight launched from Brazil for the second half of 2022.

He expects contracts to be signed by the end of this year.