Sir Richard Branson hints space tourism flights could take off from Cornwall
The Virgin boss has given more details about how his company plans to use 'Spaceport Cornwall'
Last updated 16th Feb 2021
Sir Richard Branson has hinted that space tourism flights could take off from Spaceport Cornwall.
The Virgin boss is already part of the Spaceport Cornwall project through his Virgin Orbit company which is planning to launch small satellites into orbit from Spaceport Cornwall.
But in a newspaper interview at the weekend Sir Richard was said to hint that his Virgin Galactic firm - which is planning to launch tourists into space - could also use Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay.
Speaking to The i newspaper, Sir Richard explained more about why Spaceport Cornwall had been chosen for use by Virgin Orbit.
The Virgin boss is reported as saying that he had fond memories of holidays in Cornwall as a child and also highlights the backing that Virgin Orbit has had in Cornwall.
He said: "Its location works really well allowing us to take off over the sea, and the support from the likes of Cornwall Council and Spaceport have been tremendous".
Virgin Orbit uses modified jumbo jets to launch small satellites into space – the system has been tested in the USA and the first launch from Spaceport Cornwall is scheduled for March 2022.
The report in the i also claims that Sir Richard "also hints that it might not just be satellites launching from Newquay. There is, in his view, no reason why his Virgin Galactic business could not send space tourists beyond Earth's atmosphere from south-west England in the near future as well".
There are also claims that Sir Richard could be in Cornwall this summer when the G7 summit comes to Carbis Bay in June.
It is suggested that Virgin Orbit could bring its Cosmic Girl jet to Newquay Airport “as President Biden arrives in Air Force One”.
Sir Richard is quoted saying: "There are some sort of discussions about doing something in Cornwall around G7".
The report in the i also states that Virgin Orbit could be launched on the stock market.
Virgin Orbit chief executive Dan Hart is reported as saying that a listing was being considered as a way of raising funds for the enterprise.
Spaceport Cornwall is being led in a partnership between Cornwall Council, Virgin Orbit and Goonhilly Earth Station.
It is planned for Cornwall Airport Newquay and work is currently underway in preparing the spaceport for launch next year.
The project is currently waiting for the Government to finalise legislation needed so that spaceports can apply for a licence to operate.
There have been concerns about the project in terms of the financial support which is being provided by the council and the environmental impact of the spaceport.
However supporters have highlighted that the spaceport could attract a number of space industry businesses and provide a boost to the economy and create well paid, highly skilled jobs in Cornwall.