Virgin Orbit gets green light to launch from Cornwall

Virgin Orbit has been issued the final remaining licenses ahead of planned UK launch from Spaceport Cornwall, the first ever orbital mission from a UK site.

The licences were issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority following consent from transport secretary Mark Harper for Virgin Orbit's launch and range licence.

Virgin Orbit met the licensing requirements having demonstrated to the UK Civil Aviation Authority it has taken all reasonable steps to ensure safety risks arising from launch activities are as low as reasonably practicable. Virgin Orbit also met other appropriate security and environmental aspects required for launch.

The launch company also received its range control licence from the space regulator, which enables the company to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and monitor the progress of the rocket

The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted the licences within 15 months, well within the expected timescales for these types of licences, putting the UK's regulatory framework on a competitive footing with other international space regulators.

Tim Johnson, director for space regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: "This is another major milestone in enabling the very first orbital space launch from UK shores and these licences will assist Virgin Orbit with their final preparations for launch.

"Effective licensing forms an integral part of UK space activity, and with public safety at the heart of our decision making, we've worked with Virgin Orbit to assess their applications and issue licences within our expected timelines."

Dan Hart, chief executive of Virgin Orbit, added: "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."

Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other regions across the UK. The growing space industry will boost innovation and is estimated to be worth £16.5 billion and support 47,000 jobs, with 2,500 apprentices opening the sector up to even more people. 

Licences come after the regulator issued a spaceport licence to Spaceport Cornwall. These licences are one of many factors that need to be in place for launch, including airspace access arrangements, technical and operational readiness by the operator and suitable weather conditions.

They also add to the more than 150 satellite licences already approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority since becoming the regulator in July 2021.

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 carry a rocket to be flown and released in a designated launch location over the Atlantic Ocean.

Melissa Thorpe, head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: "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."

www.virginorbit.com