Cash boost for Cornwall spaceport under new national plan

Part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, the new spending programme will see up to £20m made available for Cornwall’s proposed horizontal launch infrastructure. Cornwall Council will provide £12m with the UK Space Agency delivering an additional £7.85m. It is planned that Richard Branson’s US-based launch provider Virgin Orbit will operate from the facilities and assist with their development. It’s claimed that the spaceport could be capable of launching small satellites by the early 2020s and will create up to 150 jobs.

“These exciting plans from Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit to make horizontal launch a reality from Cornwall will help further our position as a leader in the new space age,” said business secretary Greg Clark.

“Alongside our commitment to the proposed vertical launch spaceport in Sutherland, this is making the UK the most attractive place in Europe for those looking to Earth’s orbit and beyond.”