The 海角视频’s first satellite launch from an aircraft could happen in Cornwall this spring, the 海角视频 space industry boss has announced.
Speaking after the first successful launch of a satellite into space by Virgin Orbit at the weekend, Will Whitehorn, president of 海角视频Space, the trade body representing the space industry in Britain, said he will be pushing hard for Cornwall to see that success replicated in June – the same month a G7 summit of world leaders takes place over three days in Carbis Bay, near St Ives.
The former president of Virgin Galactic told BBC News: “This is a momentous day for the small satellite world, as we will be able to launch satellites responsively; and for the 海角视频 this event promises sovereign launch capability very soon. I plan to push hard for a launch from Cornwall to coincide with the G7 meeting this year if at all possible.”
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Cornwall Newquay Airport was chosen by the British Government as a site for horizontal satellite launches where a small payload is fitted inside a rocket that launches into space from the wing of a Boeing 747.
The 海角视频 builds a large proportion of the world’s small satellites yet has no launch capability. It is estimated that more 13,000 satellites are required to be launched by 2030.
t, to provide horizontal satellite launch capability from Cornwall Airport Newquay.
While there have been delays due to the coronavirus, Spaceport Cornwall hopes that the first flight will take place this year. It is hoped that when the spaceport is fully operational the project will create 150 direct jobs by 2025 and will add £200million Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and will act as a catalyst for wider growth in the space and tech sectors.
Mr Whitehorn’s call for the 海角视频’s first launch to take place in June this year from Cornwall follows the first successful launch by Virgin Orbit out of the Mojave Desert in California.
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Ten payloads in total were lofted on the same rocket, which was launched at the weekend from under the wing of one of Sir Richard’s modified Boeing 747 jumbos.
Following the correct launch and deployment into orbit of the shoebox size satellites, Virgin Orbit chief executive Dan Hart said: “A new gateway to space has just sprung open. That LauncherOne was able to successfully reach orbit today is a testament to this team’s talent, precision, drive, and ingenuity.”
Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for transport, agreed: “This is a bold step forward for Spaceport Cornwall as the now proven technology shows to the world that Virgin Orbit, and Cornwall, are capable of competing for a share of the global market for launching small satellites. A market which is worth a potential £3.9 billion. The team in Cornwall is looking forward to our partnership strengthening as we move towards our own launch in 2022.”
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, 海角视频 Space Agency said: “Virgin Orbit’s plans to operate from Spaceport Cornwall are a key part of the 海角视频’s ambition to be the first place in Europe to offer satellite launch services. The incredible demonstration of the LauncherOne system in the US brings this one step closer to reality.
“It is more important than ever to invest in innovation, support our home-grown firms and attract international space companies to the 海角视频, creating jobs in a growing industry that can benefit communities across the country.”