It's T - Minus Take Off: Newquay is set to become 'go-to' location for UK space launches
Pirate FM is taking an exclusive behind the scenes tour around the site
Last updated 8th Nov 2022
We could find out the date of Newquay's first ever space launch as we're taking an exclusive tour behind the scenes to look around the site.
The tour and press conference at Newquay's Spaceport is being held where Spaceport Cornwall, Virgin Orbit and the UK's Space Agency will be in attendance to reveal more details on how the final preparations are going.
Matt Archer from the UK Space Agency says it'll be hugely beneficial for local businesses:
"It's about establishing the facilities here at the Spaceport and all the international agreements we need to make launch happen it's a great opportunity to do it from Cornwall. We're hoping it's the first launch of many and that's definitely what we're planning on.
"Who's not excited about launching a rocket into space. It's been over 50 years since the UK launched its first rocket and the first ever from UK soil, so we're really excited about the weeks ahead".
Speaking to space sector representatives and international government colleagues last night, BEIS Minister of State George Freeman said:
“The Prime Minister announced last year an additional £30bn for UK science, technology and innovation over the next 5 years - to help ensure the UK continues to lead in the technologies and industries of tomorrow.
“To become a science and technology superpower we need to reach 3% of GDP on R&D, and match the £30bn with £90bn of private sector inward investment from industry and venture investors, using our science and technology for global geopolitical soft power.
“The UK space sector is perfectly positioned to play a major part in this.
“This is a giant step for the UK space sector and a giant leap for the Cornish space cluster where Spaceport Cornwall has already created 150 direct jobs, and is set to create 240 indirect jobs by 2030".
It's after delays in the Space Launch window due to licensing and a report shared concerns about the licensing delays that led to UK's first ever satellite launch from Cornwall being postponed.
In a statement from Virgin Orbit and Spaceport Cornwall, they said:
"At present the Virgin Orbit rocket is in place under the wing of Cosmic Girl and systems are healthy and being prepped for launch at Spaceport Cornwall. All satellites have now been integrated into the payload.
"All parties are working closely with the airport and regulatory community to enable forward progress and approvals for launch. A new launch date will be available as soon as a forecast for launch authorisation is available."
A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:
“We are assessing the evidence supporting a range of space industry licence applications to determine if they meet the statutory requirements for granting space licences for UK launch, which include safety, security and the environment.
"We’re committed to helping drive forward a UK space sector and continue to work proactively with all parties. As part of this, it is important we do so with a view to prioritising public safety, and be satisfied that steps being taken by operators manage safety risks to as low as reasonably practicable".
Take a look around Spaceport Cornwall
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