Government ministers visited Spaceport Cornwall today (8th
November 2022) ahead of the first satellite launch from UK soil
later this month.
Science Minister, , and Transport Technology
Minister, , joined representatives from
the UK Space Agency to meet those behind the mission and saw
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket and its carrier aircraft,
Cosmic Girl – which will launch from Spaceport Cornwall – up
close.
Ministers also toured the spaceport’s new Space Systems
Integration Facility, the first of its kind at a spaceport in the
UK, where the satellites have been integrated into the rocket
ready for launch. Spaceport Cornwall will deliver 150 direct jobs
and 240 indirect jobs by 2030.
Science Minister said:
The first ever satellite launch from UK soil, here at Spaceport
Cornwall, will be a giant leap for our fast-growing commercial
satellite and space sector. This is one of our most innovative
industries, generating new opportunities in Cornwall and beyond,
with high-growth companies such as Space Forge, Surrey
Satellites, Astroscale, Inmarsat, Open Cosmos, and the thriving
Scottish space cluster.
By establishing the UK as the leading European base to launch
small satellites, we can build on our existing strengths in areas
such as space manufacturing, in-flight manufacturing, satellite
and debris retrieval, and launch licensing insurance and finance,
to create jobs across the country, grow the economy and attract
international investment.
Transport Technology Minister said:
We have one of the most advanced space sectors in the world, and
the first commercial space launch from the UK will be a landmark
moment both for the country and for our transport sector.
The mission, which has been named ‘Start Me Up’ in tribute to the
iconic British band, the Rolling Stones, will be the first
orbital launch from the UK, meeting a key ambition of the
Government’s National Space Strategy, as well as being the first
commercial launch from Europe and the first international launch
from Virgin Orbit.
Both Cosmic Girl – an adapted Boeing 747 – and LauncherOne
arrived separately in Cornwall last month, and the rocket is now
in place under the wing of the aircraft.
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said:
We are at the dawn of a new era for space launch in the UK and
about to achieve the goal of putting satellites into orbit in
2022. This is an immensely proud moment for the UK Space Agency
and all those who have worked so hard to make this ambition a
reality.
Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is already
bringing new growth through investment and jobs into Cornwall and
other communities across the UK, inspiring a new generation of
space professionals whether in science, engineering, law and
other disciplines.
Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said:
It’s been phenomenal to welcome so many supporters of the UK
space sector here to Spaceport Cornwall ahead of our first
launch.
My team and I loved showing the world how much work and how much
international collaboration is going into making this world-first
a reality. This marks just the beginning of a global movement
with Space For Good at its core.
Dan Hart, CEO Virgin Orbit, said:
We’re honoured to be part of this historic mission to open up the
UK’s first international spaceport in Cornwall. With this mission
we break new ground across the commercial space sector and
important allied collaboration in space. Our company is here to
serve our customers and their ambitions. Virgin Orbit is up and
running and working to obtain final approvals to move forward.
The UK Government’s National Space
Strategy sets out how the UK will become the first country in
Europe to launch satellites into orbit in 2022. Spaceport
Cornwall is one of seven spaceport sites being developed across
the UK which will help unleash a wave of innovation and create
hundreds of new jobs across the country. All UK launches are
subject to receiving a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for
economy, said:
We’re delighted that ministers were able to visit Spaceport
Cornwall as we gear up for the UK’s first ever satellite launch.
This is an incredibly exciting time, not only for the Spaceport
and those directly involved in “Start Me Up” but for Cornwall as
a whole, and I’d like to pay tribute to all those involved for
their hard work and dedication in getting us to this point.
We have a long and storied history of engineering excellence in
Cornwall, and the potential benefits that Spaceport Cornwall
brings to our economy have never been clearer. From new jobs and
new investment to inspiring the next generation of tech pioneers
and space professionals, this promises to be yet another red
letter day in our shared history.
