Spaceport Cornwall is a step closer to hosting Britain's first space launch after being issued a licence from the 海角视频 Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The launch from the site at Newquay Airport will see the 海角视频 become the first country in Europe to launch satellites into space.

The CAA issued the licence following consent from transport secretary Mark Harper and after Spaceport Cornwall demonstrated to the regulator it had met the appropriate safety, security and environmental standards. The approval also means Spaceport Cornwall has the infrastructure, equipment and services for horizontal space launches, the CAA said.

A specially modified Boeing 747 - called Cosmic Girl - from Richard Branson's company Virgin Orbit will help launch the satellite into space. It will have rocket launchers attached to its wing which can then propel small satellites into orbit.

Several of the satellites have been constructed in the 海角视频, including the first Welsh satellite, which will also be on the launch and was built by Cardiff-based Space Forge.

Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the 海角视频 CAA, said: 鈥淭his is an historic moment as we licence the first ever spaceport in the 海角视频. We鈥檙e proud to be playing our part in facilitating the 海角视频鈥檚 space ambitions through assessing the safety, security and other requirements of these activities. This is another major milestone to enable this country to become a leading launch nation."

The CAA became Britain's space regulator in 2021 and has since approved nearly 150 satellite licences.

Mr Harper said: 鈥淭he cosmic cornerstone is being laid for the 海角视频鈥檚 first orbital space launch, with the 海角视频 Civil Aviation Authority granting Spaceport Cornwall the first ever spaceport licence.

鈥淰irgin Orbit鈥檚 planned launch reinforces our position as a leading space nation as we look to the future of spaceflight, which can spur growth and innovation across the sector, as well as creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.鈥

Melissa Thorpe, head of Spaceport Cornwall, spoke to BusinessLive earlier in November about what will happen at the site after the launch.

鈥淭o be the first Spaceport in the 海角视频 with a licence to operate is a historic moment," she said. 鈥淐ornwall is now ready to open up the use of Space for Good, and support the 海角视频 industry in harnessing the power of space to benefit life on Earth.鈥

The CAA said the issuing of the licence comes after months of work with the government and other organisations including the Marine Management Organisation, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

Dan Hart, chief executive of Virgin Orbit, added: 鈥淥btaining this license marks a point of distinction for Spaceport Cornwall, and is a key preparatory milestone for this first orbital launch from the 海角视频.

READ NEXT

Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.