First space launch from Cornwall set for early 2022
It'll be the UK’s first horizontal launch spaceport, as well as the first of its kind in Europe. It will also bring hundreds of jobs to the people of Cornwall
Last updated 19th Jan 2021
The launch of the UK's first satellite from Cornwall's Spaceport has taken a giant leap forward after Virgin Orbit successfully completed the first full orbital launch of its LauncherOne system in the USA.
On Sunday 17th of January, Virgin Orbit accomplished its first commercial launch, with the company’s carrier aircraft Cosmic Girl taking off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California.
As Virgin Orbit’s key delivery partner in the UK, the flight’s success accelerates Spaceport Cornwall’s campaign to become the UK’s first horizontal launch spaceport — as well as the first of its kind in Europe.
It proves that Virgin Orbit’s mobile launch system is capable of providing a responsive, affordable and efficient way to launch small satellites.
It means the mission in the Duchy, scheduled for early 2022, is likely to be a success as it will be reliant on the same technology.
Space and satellite technology is an invaluable resource for the global community. Virgin Orbit’s Chief Executive Officer Dan Hart said that the strength of the British Space industry is one of the reasons he is so confident in the success of Spaceport Cornwall.
“It is enormously exciting - there are small satellite companies in the UK that are very innovative. As a matter of fact, small satellites have really been brought forth to a large degree by UK companies so I think there’s a great possibility there.
"There’s an enormous number of segments and there are opportunities for companies in the UK to play in every single one of them.”
Dan Hart, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Orbit
In a much-needed boost to the local and nationwide economy post-coronavirus, Spaceport Cornwall is set to further strengthen the UK and Cornish industry by bringing 150 direct jobs by 2025.
This will add £200m Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and will act as a catalyst for wider growth in associated sectors which use space derived data and applications.
Through this ground-breaking initiative, an additional 240 jobs will be created in the supply chain and ancillary activities; positioning Spaceport Cornwall at the heart of the UK space industry by raising Cornwall’s profile on the global stage.
“That LauncherOne was able to successfully reach orbit today is a testament to this team’s talent, precision, drive, and ingenuity.
"Even in the face of a global pandemic, we've maintained a laser focus on fully demonstrating every element of this revolutionary launch system. That effort paid off today with a beautifully executed mission, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Dan Hart, CEO, Virgin Orbit
“Virgin Orbit’s plans to operate from Spaceport Cornwall are a key part of the UK’s ambition to be the first place in Europe to offer satellite launch services. The incredible demonstration of the LauncherOne system in the US brings this one step closer to reality.
“It is more important than ever to invest in innovation, support our home-grown firms and attract international space companies to the UK, creating jobs in a growing industry that can benefit communities across the country.”
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency
“This is a bold step forward for Spaceport Cornwall as the now proven technology shows to the world that Virgin Orbit, and Cornwall, are capable of competing for a share of the global market for launching small satellites. A market which is worth a potential £3.9 billion.
“We are completely elated for the incredible team at Virgin Orbit after the years of hard work and dedication to reach this milestone and the team in Cornwall is looking forward to our partnership strengthening as we move towards our own launch in 2022.”
Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Transport
You can watch the LauncherOne take off from California in the video below.