Comic Books
To explain complex aerospace engineering concepts, we employed the use of comic books to make the content more accessible. Book no. 1 - "The Chronicles of Virgin Orbit, Episode 1: Opening Space Access" tells how we air launch. Edition of 1000. Features special mirrored insert.
Episode 2: Responsive Launch, the second installment of the Virgin Orbit Chronicles comic book series featured illustrations by LA-based artist AJ Dungo. It explained how Virgin Orbit planned to launch rockets within 24-hours notice. The ongoing series of collaborations with local artists and illustrators sought to inject a pop, whimsy, and creative sensibility into the brand.
Printed by Capital Printing Co in Austin.
Episode 3: The Search for Life, the third installment, told the story of a mission to discover life on the planet Venus. Illustrated by Lisa Kogawa.
Episode 4: Spaceport Cornwall depicts the maiden launch from Cornwall, United Kingdom. Illustrated by Cornish artist Nick Radford.
Cosmic Girl and LauncherOne diorama
In aerospace, scale models are often used to visualize launch vehicles. They all have a uniform look due to most rockets being launched from a launchpad. The models are also manufactured by a handful of companies in the US and look like a rocket attached to a metal stand on a wooden pedestal. In a sea of models often gifted to customers, we asked - how can Virgin Orbit's model stand out from the crowd? An added challenge to the story was the idea of air launch - how it works, presenting the scale of 747 vs. rocket, and showing vehicle components.
The design solution: a limited edition diorama designed in partnership with toy designers. The experience starts with our Cosmic Girl 747 wing on the box lid. As the lid opens, the red pylon (a technology that holds the rocket to the wing) is revealed. The rocket is showcased dramatically inside a field of custom art, which is also displayed prominently on the box. The complete set features a companion comic book. Edition of 150.
Aerospace Artifacts
Inspired by military traditions, the aerospace industry places great importance on recognizing milestones, celebrating cornerstone events, and respecting rituals. Considering the semiotics of such custom-designed artifacts (flight patches and challenge coins as such) to mark those milestones becomes critically important. Everything needed to be considered - including appropriate symbolism, quantity, colors (mostly colors to avoid), and placement, to name a few. Here are a few patch and coin interpretations conceived by our resident illustrator and designer, Heidi Rueff.
Mission payload illustration collaboration
To depict the satellites launched on each mission, we engaged illustrators to imagine them.
Launch Demo 2 Mission: Rafael Varona
Tubular Bells Pt. 1 Mission: Monique Aimee
Above the Clouds Mission: Leonardo Santamaria
