When it comes to launching rockets, Virgin Orbit is taking a different approach. It's called air-launch-to-orbit. This technology is not a new idea. This tech resulted from the development of air launches of experimental aircraft that began way back in the 1940s. When used for orbital payload insertion, this method of launch is better than conventional vertical launch methods. And the reasons are pretty straightforward. When one considers the reduced thrust, mass, and cost of the rocket, it is clear that Air-Launch-To-Orbit comes out on top.
