Spaceport Cornwall has been shortlisted by the European Space Agency as a potential location for a new research programme aimed at developing a hypersonic test platform.
INVICTUS will bridge the gap between ground-based research and full-scale flight demonstrations, supporting advances in reusable launch systems, high-speed flight and next-generation aerospace development.
The programme is designed to test innovations under real-world conditions, accelerating Europe’s progress toward aircraft-like access to space.
Spaceport Cornwall is based at Cornwall Airport Newquay and is the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's first licensed spaceport. It also has one of Britain's longest runways, as well as access to civilian and military aviation facilities.
The site has been shortlisted alongside Machrihanish on the west coast of Scotland.
Tony Forsythe, head of space technology for the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Space Agency, said the programme could "cement" the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's position as a European leader is space innovation.
“The shortlisting of Spaceport Cornwall and Machrihanish demonstrates the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s infrastructure and expertise in advancing cutting-edge aerospace technologies," he said.
“By pioneering reusable spaceplane technologies and hypersonic flight capabilities, we’re potentially not only opening new frontiers for space access but also creating high-value jobs, driving regional growth, and developing skills that will benefit the º£½ÇÊÓƵ for generations to come.â€
INVICTUS is expected to create hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ as well as attracting inward investment.
Noah Law, Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay, said INVICTUS would be an "immensely welcome" long-term partner for Cornwall.
"[The programme is the] kind that such a fine aerospace asset as Spaceport Cornwall - with one of the longest runways in the country and dedicated airspace - deserves," he said.
Ross Hulbert, head of engagement at Spaceport Cornwall said being shortlisted was "a significant moment".
"Our world-class facilities, operational versatility, and strategic position within both civilian and military aviation infrastructures place us in a leading role to support this transformational European programme," he added.
If selected, Spaceport Cornwall would host INVICTUS operations, integration campaigns and flight activities.
This work would build on the spaceport’s growing role in supporting national capability development, including its selection for the Ministry of Defence’s Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework.
