★ FAMOUSSpace & science
Cosmic Girl
The 747 that launched satellites from her wing
Tail number N949SL
Retired. This one lives in the history books now.
The story
A Virgin Atlantic passenger 747 reborn as a rocket ship's first stage — she air-launched orbital rockets from a pylon under her left wing, putting real satellites into space from 35,000 feet. Virgin Orbit folded in 2023 and she was sold at auction to Stratolaunch, who renamed her Spirit of Mojave and are rebuilding her to carry hypersonic test vehicles.
Fun fact
The rocket pylon under her wing sat in the spot Boeing designed for ferrying a spare fifth engine.
Quick answers
What is the tail number of Cosmic Girl?
N949SL (Boeing 747-41R, retired).
What kind of aircraft is Cosmic Girl?
Boeing 747-41R.
Is it still flying?
No. It no longer flies.
The type
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