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Virgin Orbit reveals launch window for next mission to space.

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3 years ago

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The launch window for Virgin Orbit’s next mission to space will open during the last week of June, and for the first time ever you will be able to watch it live on YouTube.

The upcoming mission comes after a successful flight into orbit earlier this year. Cosmic Girl, Virgin Orbit’s adapted Virgin Atlantic 747, soared to 30,000ft to launch the Virgin LauncherOne rocket, which took off from under its wing, delivering satellites into orbit.

The upcoming mission will be called Tubular Bells, Part One, in homage to Virgin’s musical roots and Mike Oldfield’s classic Virgin Records album.

Mission Progress 

LauncherOne has been shipped to Mojave Air and Space Port, where it is now comfortably mated to Cosmic Girl’s left wing.

The team at Virgin Orbit has been hard at work completing final checks ahead of the next mission to space – including a hugely successful cryoload last week. Cryoload is the first time Virgin Orbit loads cryogenic propellants (i.e. liquid oxygen for those of us who aren’t scientists) onto the rocket and fully pressurize the system all the way up to flight-like levels. During this test, Virgin Orbit was able to achieve all of its planned objectives, including 100% LOX and fuel fill and nominal pressurization of all high-pressure gas systems with no tank leakage.

This successful test means that wet dress rehearsal is next – and, like every rocket, wet dress rehearsal is the one big hurdle prior to launch, serving as an opportunity to run through all combined launch operations up until takeoff. If all looks good, Virgin Orbit will be in the clear to push forward and commit to launch.

The team is also making sure the satellites are ready for their journey to orbit. On this flight, there will be a total of seven spacecraft from the Department of Defense Space Test Program, SatRevolution, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Why Virgin Orbit is launching satellites

Small satellites have huge potential to change people’s lives for the better. They connect us to each other, help us understand the world around us, keep us safe, grow the world’s economies, and expand the limits of human knowledge.

In recent years, satellites have gotten smaller and cheaper but launching them can still be a challenge, as companies and researchers are often forced to wait many months for a rideshare on larger rockets with primary payloads, meaning they have little control over their schedule or orbital destination.

Like the satellites its customers are flying, its launch system is light, fast, flexible, and affordable. Virgin Orbit uses a 747 airplane and a runway rather than a launch pad – this is a route to space that can be made from any airport in the world.

Source: Virgin Orbit.

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Freedom of journalism must be practiced within the responsibilities

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04/05/2024

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Minister at the President’s Office for Strategic Communications Ibrahim Khaleel has underscored the importance of exercising the freedom of press within the responsibilities. He made the remarks while speaking at a programme aired on PSM News.

Commemorating the 7th anniversary of PSM News, Minister Khaleel was invited to the programme, as he played a pivotal role in founding the PSM News Channel during his tenure as the Former Managing Director of the Public Service Media (PSM). The minister worked in the field of journalism and broadcasting for several years, actively engaging in various media positions, including reading and writing news articles.

Highlighted the convenience within the field following the advancements of technology, Minister Khaleel revealed articulated his vision for PSM News to serve as the primary national channel, delivering reliable and timely news coverage across the entirety of the country. In observance of World Press Freedom Day, the minister noted the continuous expansion of press freedom over the years. On this stance, he stressed the significance of media outlets to execute obligations in disseminating news, urging the spread of credible information.

Furthermore, Minister Khaleel revealed the government’s plan to expand and promote journalism. As such, efforts are underway to provide educational opportunities and to strengthen the financial stability of media organisations.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Fourth meeting of High-Level Core Group on withdrawal of Indian troops held in Delhi

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1 day ago

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04/05/2024

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The fourth meeting of the High-level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Indian capital New Delhi on Friday.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation between nations during Friday’s meeting while discussions were also held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defense cooperation.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said it was reiterated that the Indian government will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10th, adding both sides expressed satisfaction with the fact that all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule.

Both sides also agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level core Group will be held in Male’ on a mutually agreeable date in June or July.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Minister of Islamic Affairs to attend the OIC Summit as the President’s Special Envoy

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2 days ago

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03/05/2024

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The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

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