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Spaceport Cornwall is a step closer to hosting Britain's first space launch after being issued a licence from the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The launch from the site at Newquay Airport will see the º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ, 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ CAA, said: “This is an historic moment as we licence the first ever spaceport in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ. We’re proud to be playing our part in facilitating the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s 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: “The cosmic cornerstone is being laid for the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s first orbital space launch, with the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Civil Aviation Authority granting Spaceport Cornwall the first ever spaceport licence.

“Virgin Orbit’s 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.”