"Space is so hard - but so, so worth it" - Spaceport Cornwall NOT ready for launch
The news has been confirmed following tests over the past 24 hours
Last updated 8th Dec 2022
Spaceport Cornwall is NOT ready to launch - following a number of tests on the launch over the past 24 hours.
It now means the launch has been delayed until after Christmas - and comes as Virgin Orbit is still waiting on the Civil Aviation Authority to grant them their licence.
The first launch window was earlier announced as being December 14 - but this latest setback comes as a blow for those holding the launch as an early Christmas present.
Back in November, they were granted an operating licence by the CAA.
However, from those involved with the UK's first spaceport - citing tech issues as well as regulatory ones - it means the first official date has slipped to after December 25.
On Twitter, the head of the Spaceport, Melissa Thorpe, said: "No launch next week, folks.
"We go again after Santa has done his thing.
"Space is so flippin hard. But so, so worth it."
On social media, we've also been seeing reaction - with Hamish Newhouse on Twitter saying: "Keep pushing through the barriers. Britain is behind #TeamCornwall all the way!"
Last month, Virgin Orbit and Spaceport Cornwall said the rocket is in place under the wing of Cosmic Girl and systems were healthy and being prepped for launch.
At the same event in November, 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".
You can read more about this here about our exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the site.