Funding confirmed for Virgin Orbit’s Cornwall spaceport

According to the Space Agency, the UK subsidiary of Virgin Orbit will use the funds to develop advanced ground support equipment and conduct mission planning. The first horizontal launch of small satellites from the site is planned for the early 2020s, subject to regulatory approvals. It’s claimed that Spaceport Cornwall could create 150 direct jobs, with many more jobs indirectly supported across the local community.  

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“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,” said Virgin Orbit CEO, Dan Hart. 

“We’re eager to set up a world-class launch facility at Spaceport Cornwall, bring domestic space launch to the UK, and launch the next generation of satellite developers in their quest to better understand our Earth and our environment, connect humankind, serve national security, and explore our solar system.”