World’s largest drone set to launch satellites into orbit

The world’s largest drone is set to launch satellites into space after being unveiled by a US startup rocket company.

The 80ft long Ravn X drone can fly from any runway that is at least a mile long and drops a rocket in midair that shoots small satellites into orbit.

Aevum, who unveiled the 60ft wide and 18ft tall drone, say they will be able to launch payloads within three hours of receiving them at spaceports.

Once the drone reaches the right altitude, location and speed, its second-stage rocket drops and ignites within half a second to launch a 220 pound payload into low-Earth orbit.