22 December 2022
The launch of Virgin Orbit from Spaceport Cornwall can go ahead following the UK Civil Aviation Authority issuing the final remaining licences on Wednesday.
The licences were issued following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper for Virgin Orbit’s launch and range licence (which enables the company to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and monitor the progress of the rocket).
Dan Hart, Chief Executive of Virgin Orbit, said, “Receiving Virgin Orbit’s range and launch licences takes us one step closer to the first satellite launch take-off from UK soil. This is a major milestone for the CAA and represents the successful completion of an enormous effort, which has included the construction of new regulations, new processes and new teams.
“With our partners at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Spaceport Cornwall, UK Space Agency and our payload customers, together we are progressing towards the first launch from Cornwall – keeping a strong focus on a safe and successful mission for all.”
?? “We got our d?r?i?v?e?r?’?s? launch license last week
Just like we always talked about” ??We’re excited to share that we have received range and launch licenses for our #StartMeUp mission! pic.twitter.com/xvID48ES0G
— Virgin Orbit (@VirginOrbit) December 21, 2022
Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, added, “We are thrilled for the Virgin Orbit licenses to be in place for this historic launch. It has been an incredible effort by all partners to reach this milestone, and my team cannot wait to share in the excitement of the upcoming launch with everyone that has made it happen. Together we can now get these Earth benefitting technologies into Low Earth Orbit and open up Space For Good from Cornwall.”
It’s estimated that the UK’s growing space industry is worth £16.5 billion to the economy, and supports 47,000 jobs, with 2,500 apprentices.
Virgin Orbit’s ‘Start Me Up’ mission will launch from Spaceport Cornwall, operating out of Cornwall Newquay Airport. It will see a modified Boeing 747 ‘Jumbo Jet’ be able to carry a rocket to be flown and released in a designated launch location over the Atlantic Ocean.
Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) Yellow 095/2022 is in force covering the launch. Download it here
