"Newquay, we have an anomaly." A look back at Cornwall's space launch mission
This time last year, preparations were underway to make UK history
On Monday 9 January 2023, the first ever orbital space launch from the UK was due to take place in Cornwall.
Listen: A look back at Cornwall's space launch mission
A license was granted to Spaceport Cornwall, meaning they were able to host Virgin Orbit's aircraft and rocket and launch nine satellites into space.
This time last year (December 2022), preparations were underway to make the historic moment happen.
It was announced back in 2018 that the first British satellite launch would take place from Cornwall within the next few years, following a new partnership between Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit.
The Spaceport Cornwall project was announced in 2014 and has been progressing towards first launch since then. It was driven by the UK Space Agency and Virgin Orbit in conjunction with Cornwall Council, who provided the majority of the funding.
Cornwall Airport Newquay was chosen as the base for Spaceport Cornwall due to its existing infrastructure. The airport has the longest runway of a regional airport in the UK due to its RAF base, as well as direct access to a flight path over the seat.
The site was selected as an ideal location for horizontal launch as part of the Launch UK programme in the 2010s.
The space launch
The launch saw Virgin Orbit's modified Boeing 747-400 aircraft 'Cosmic Girl' take to the skies from Spaceport Cornwall at Cornwall Airport Newquay.
It carried a LauncherOne Rocket under its wing to a launch range over the Atlantic, where it was released at an altitude of 35,000ft for onward flight into space, with the aim to carry satellites into Earth orbit.
Around 2,500 people were given free tickets on the night to see the attempted mission, which was promised to make history, both in Cornwall and across the world.
What went wrong?
The first UK launch into space from Spaceport Cornwall faced an "anomaly" which prevented a successful mission.
Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl successfully launched from Cornwall around 10PM on Monday 9 January and arrived back in to the spaceport at Cornwall Airport Newquay in the evening.
Virgin Orbit confirmed that although the first stage of the launch was successful, the LauncherOne rocket faced an unexpected anomaly which has prevented the nine satellites from reaching orbit.
Organisers of the Start Me Up mission soon identified what went wrong during the firing of the rocket's second stage engine, meaning it failed to reach orbit.
Virgin Orbit revealed the first stage of the LauncherOne rocket performed as expected, but later in the mission the upper stage experienced what they're calling an anomaly. At an altitude of approximately 180km the first burn of the rocket prematurely ended which meant the attempt to launch satellites into orbit was unsuccessful.
A spokesperson from Virgin Orbit, said: "We're all disappointed not to achieve full mission success," but they hoped to return to Spaceport Cornwall for new launches as early as later this year.
Virgin Orbit permanently ceases operations
In May 2023, Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit announced they were selling their assets and have now ceased operations months after a mission failure from Cornwall.
In a statement, the space launch provider" said: "(Our) legacy in the space industry will forever be remembered. Its ground-breaking technologies, relentless pursuit of excellence, and unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of air launch have left an indelible mark on the industry.
"As Virgin Orbit embarks on this path, the management and employees would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, including customers, partners, investors, and employees, for their support and dedication over the years."
Virgin Orbit said in March they would cut 85% of their workforce after failing to secure new investment. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US in April.
What comes next for Cornish space launch?
Cornwall's space industry was recently represented at this years UK Space Conference in Belfast.
Spaceport Cornwall discussed plans for future launches from the UK but say they are a long way off from another launch from Newquay. They their priorities include continued outreach programmes with young people and working with other space businesses and UK spaceports for future launches - like in Scotland.
They also reflected on becoming the UK's first licensed spaceport, as well as unveiling a Space Systems Operations Facility on site.
Head of Engagement Ross Hulbert said: "We're working with operators who might only return to Cornwall - so will launch vertically, probably from the United States, back to Newquay and have exciting payloads onboard which we can then get off and put into our facilities.
"The business model for Cornwall was always to have relatively infrequent launch, so Virgin were only ever talking about launching once or twice a year. It was to use the excitement that created to attract businesses onto site.
"It's a little bit of looking back for us over the lessons learned from our first launch campaign in January and helping bang the drum for the general UK and supporting our partners as they get ready launch."