Virgin Orbit readies to launch satellite from Cornwall

Virgin Orbit’s next satellite launch will take place this year in Cornwall, UK, following a successful launch in California, the UK Government has announced.

The US company completed its fourth mission - and first night launch - from Mojave in California on Saturday 2 July.

The next launch is planned to take place from Spaceport Cornwall, Newquay, in Summer 2022. Unlike traditional vertical launch locations, Spaceport Cornwall is utilising an existing airport runway and airport facilities to launch to space.

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: "The success of this last launch in California is 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. This gave us a taste of what is to come and our team could not be more excited."

Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One takes off horizontally, carried aloft by a modified Boeing 747 aircraft, named Cosmic Girl. The aircraft takes off at the end of the runway, flies to altitude and deploys its satellite-carrying rocket mid-air. The carrier aircraft returns to land, while the rocket takes its satellite payloads into Low Earth Orbit.

With the California mission complete, Virgin Orbit is on track for launch from Spaceport Cornwall later this year. The UK Space Agency and Cornwall Council are supporting the launch.

Matthew Archer, Director of Commercial Spaceflight at the UK Space Agency, who joined the Virgin Orbit team for the launch from the Mojave Air and Space Port, said: "The success of the Straight Up mission is another exciting milestone on our way to 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.

"The UK is 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."

Science Minister George Freeman added: "Congratulations to Virgin Orbit on another successful US mission, which demonstrates the ability of its innovative launch platform to put satellites into orbit day or night. 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."

Photo: Virgin Orbit

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