First satellite to be launched into space from the UK arrives in Cornwall
IOD-3 Amber will take off from Spaceport Cornwall on board Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl
Last updated 10th Oct 2022
Cornwall is preparing for lift-off as the first satellite to be launched into space is being set up ahead of the UK's first-ever orbital launch.
The IOD-3 Amber is now at Spaceport Cornwall which will take off on board Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl.
The arrival of the aircraft is expected to land at Cornwall's Spaceport by Tuesday 11th October.
Tim Pinchin, Satellite Applications Catapult, the company working in partnership with Horizon Technologies in producing the satellites, told us: "Suddenly we can design, we can build, we can operate, we can launch satellites from the UK, and we've never been able to do that before.
"Always we'd get to the point where the satellite is ready to go, and it would be sent somewhere else to be sent in to orbit.
"There's a whole load of new industry which could be built up around Spaceport and around Cornwall. Everyone is just working as hard as they can to make it a reality in Cornwall and it's absolutely fantastic, it's a real hub of industry".
This morning (Monday 10th October) marked the first public Integration of one of six satellites.
This means the process of preparing the satellite for launch which involves loading it into the dispenser which will then be put into the fairing of the rocket
The first satellite involved was first built by AAC Clyde Space in Scotland and will be launched by Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne from Cornwall in a few weeks time
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: "Glasgow is a global hub of small satellite manufacturing, pioneered by companies like AAC Clyde Space and supported by a thriving sector across the country.
"We're building a sustainable, commercial launch market to give these companies access to space from UK soil and catalyse investment from all over the world.
"As we countdown to the first launch from Spaceport Cornwall, it's very encouraging and exciting to see British-built satellites, including IOD-3 Amber, beginning their journey to orbit from the UK".
Spaceport Cornwall preparing for lift-off
Horizon Technologies' data from the launch will be used by governments to provide information on the tracking and prevention of illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking, piracy and terrorism.
Information collected through the programme will be provided to the UK's Joint Maritime Security Centre for review.
Luis Gomes, CEO, AAC Clyde Space, added: "This launch sets a precedent for the future of the UK Space industry and highlights the strength of the UK in the development of complex small satellite missions, as outlined in the National Space Strategy.
"These fantastic organisations we’ve collaborated with form just one part of the mature and successful UK space supply chain which has worked on more than half of the satellites on this inaugural launch.
"The UK has a strong history in the development and production of small satellites, including our own EPIC Link solution – and now there is an opportunity to launch from home soil.
"AAC Clyde Space is proud to be supporting the UK to develop a sustainable, commercial small satellite launch market".
Cornwall's first launch is expected to take place within a few weeks.