On 17 January 2021, Virgin Orbit the California-based satellite launch company recently launched its LauncherOne rocket to the orbit. What statements is/are CORRECT regarding the rocket?
1. it places the satellites in Sun Synchronous Orbit
2. It is the first all liquid fuelled air-launched orbital rocket
3. It is capable of carrying payloads of up to 500–600 kg to a 310-mile-high (500-km) polar orbit
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Both 2 and 3

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) D – Both 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: On its successful launch on 17 January 2021, LauncherOne did not place satellites into a Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). It placed payloads into a low Earth polar orbit.
· Statement 2 is correct: LauncherOne is the first all liquid-fueled, air-launched orbital-class rocket.
· Statement 3 is correct: The rocket is designed to deliver payloads of 500–600 kg to a 500 km polar orbit (approximately 310 miles).
Information Booster:
· LauncherOne is carried to altitude under the wing of a modified Boeing 747 aircraft called Cosmic Girl, and then launched mid-air.
· This air-launch technique reduces fuel requirements and allows flexible launch locations and trajectories.