Virgin Orbit gets the licenses it needs for the UK's first space launch
The company is moving towards a "historic" satellite launch from Cornwall.
Virgin Orbit is set to make the first-ever spaceflight from UK soil, after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved a 'historic' first launch license from Cornwell Spaceport . With that in hand, the company plans to launch nine satellites from a LauncherOne rocket aboard its Boeing 747 "Cosmic Girl" in January next year.
Virgin Orbit first announced plans to launch from a site at Cornwall Airport in Newquay four years ago. The launch therefore took many years. The first flight was originally scheduled for mid-December, but was postponed due to technical issues and lack of a license.
Despite these concerns, the CAA said the license was issued within 15 months, "putting the UK framework on a level playing field with international space regulators". The regulator added that it had taken "all reasonable steps" to mitigate security risks. Spaceport Cornwall, meanwhile, received its launch certification last month.
In addition to the launch license, Virgin Orbit has received a range control license that allows it to issue warning notices and monitor mission progress. “Securing range and launch licenses brings us closer to the first satellite launch from UK soil,” said Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit. "We are progressing towards the first launch from Cornwall - with a strong focus on a safe and successful mission for all."
Virgin Orbit flies LauncherOne under the wing of a 747 to reduce rocket size and fuel requirements while eliminating the need for a vertical launch pad. For her first "Start Me up" mission, Cosmic Girl will lift off from the spaceport and fly to a height of 35,000 feet, then launch the LauncherOne rocket that will take the satellites into orbit. Permits for the nine satellites have not yet been issued, but they are "imminent".
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The company is moving towards a "historic" satellite launch from Cornwall.
Virgin Orbit is set to make the first-ever spaceflight from UK soil, after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved a 'historic' first launch license from Cornwell Spaceport . With that in hand, the company plans to launch nine satellites from a LauncherOne rocket aboard its Boeing 747 "Cosmic Girl" in January next year.
Virgin Orbit first announced plans to launch from a site at Cornwall Airport in Newquay four years ago. The launch therefore took many years. The first flight was originally scheduled for mid-December, but was postponed due to technical issues and lack of a license.
Despite these concerns, the CAA said the license was issued within 15 months, "putting the UK framework on a level playing field with international space regulators". The regulator added that it had taken "all reasonable steps" to mitigate security risks. Spaceport Cornwall, meanwhile, received its launch certification last month.
In addition to the launch license, Virgin Orbit has received a range control license that allows it to issue warning notices and monitor mission progress. “Securing range and launch licenses brings us closer to the first satellite launch from UK soil,” said Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit. "We are progressing towards the first launch from Cornwall - with a strong focus on a safe and successful mission for all."
Virgin Orbit flies LauncherOne under the wing of a 747 to reduce rocket size and fuel requirements while eliminating the need for a vertical launch pad. For her first "Start Me up" mission, Cosmic Girl will lift off from the spaceport and fly to a height of 35,000 feet, then launch the LauncherOne rocket that will take the satellites into orbit. Permits for the nine satellites have not yet been issued, but they are "imminent".
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
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