Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit will launch its next satellite from Cornwall following a successful mission in California, the Government has announced.
The company, which is part of the Virgin Group, completed its fourth commercial launch – and its first at night – in Mojave, in the US, on Saturday (July 2).
Unlike many rockets, Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One takes off horizontally, carried aloft by a modified Boeing 747 aircraft named Cosmic Girl.
The mission – called ‘Straight Up’ – launched on behalf of the US Space Force that will experiment in space-based communications, in-space navigation and climate change.
The Government said Virgin Orbit was now “on track” to launch the UK’s first satellite from Spaceport Cornwall later in 2022.
Spaceport Cornwall is a consortium of partners including Cornwall Council, Virgin Orbit, Goonhilly Earth Station and the UK Space Agency, working together to deliver the country’s first spacecraft launch.
The UK Space Agency and Cornwall Council are supporting the launch, with Spaceport Cornwall set to create 150 jobs in the local area.
Science Minister George Freeman said: “With the countdown on to the first satellite launch from UK soil, it’s incredible to see Cosmic Girl and LauncherOne in action before they head to Spaceport Cornwall.
“We are in a strong position to capitalise on the growing global demand for small satellite launch and to do so in a way that will keep space and our planet sustainable for future generations.”
A number of national and international satellites have also been confirmed for the first UK launch later this year, with customers including Space Forge, Satellite Applications Catapult and Horizon Technologies, the MOD, DSTL and US National Reconnaissance Office and the Sultanate of Oman.
Matthew Archer, director of commercial spaceflight at the UK Space Agency joined the Virgin Orbit team for the launch from the Mojave Air and Space Port. He said the success of California’s ‘Straight Up’ mission – the name of which was inspired by US singer Paula Abdul’s song of the same title – was another “exciting milestone” towards seeing the first satellite launch from UK soil.
“We are working closely with Virgin Orbit and it was a privilege to be alongside our partners to witness another successful launch for the team,” he said.
Mr Archer said the UK was home to some of the “world’s leading” satellite manufacturers, which currently ship their products overseas for launch.
“We are supporting them by fostering a new domestic launch market, with spaceports and launch operators providing services across the UK and catalysing investment from all over the world”, he added.
Melissa Thorpe, head of Spaceport Cornwall, said the success of the California launch was “extremely rewarding” for Spaceport Cornwall and the UK space sector.
“It was amazing to see both the team from Virgin Orbit and our team working together to mirror the US operations in real-time – ensuring we’re mission-ready for the summer,” she added.
In May, South West law firm Foot Anstey announced it was working with Spaceport Cornwall’s professional advisors to support its preparations for the launch near Newquay.
The Government published its National Space Strategy in September 2021, setting out how it is planning to become the first country in Europe to launch satellites into orbit in 2022. Spaceport Cornwall is one of seven potential spaceport sites being considered by the Government across the UK.
