Virgin Orbit’s plans to launch small satellites from Spaceport Cornwall have been given a boost by the announcement of a £7.35 million grant from the UK Space Agency.
This will be used: to develop launch operations support systems and manufacture them in the UK; to conduct mission planning; and to prepare the facility for satellite launches. V
irgin Orbit’s first spaceflight from Cornwall is planned for the fourth quarter of 2021 (subject to regulatory approvals) and will use Virgin Orbit’s innovative air launch system, LauncherOne.
Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart said (
www.virginorbit.com): “We’re tremendously excited to be supporting the UK Space Agency and Cornwall Council by bringing space launch to the UK.
“By establishing a strong local hub for our launch system, this joint project will boost UK participation in a fast-growing global space economy, while also providing direct, ready and responsive access to space for Government missions.
“We very much look forward to furthering our ties with the cutting-edge satellite innovators around the UK and local industry, who will be critical partners in fulfilling the full potential of this endeavour.”
The grant from the UK Space Agency is part of a broader £20 million funding package for Cornwall Airport Newquay announced by Science Minister Chris Skidmore.
She said: “We want the UK to be the first country in Europe to give its small satellite manufacturers a clear route from the factory to the spaceport.
“That’s why it is so important that we are developing new infrastructure to allow aircraft to take off and deploy satellites — a key capability that the UK currently lacks.”