The launch of satellites from Spaceport Cornwall has got another step closer following the arrival of Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl converted Boeing 747 launch vehicle to Cornwall Airport Newquay.
Welcoming its arrival was St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double. He said:
“It was an amazing moment to see Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl landing at Cornwall Airport Newquay.”
“This is another big step forward to launching the first satellites ever from European soil from right here in Cornwall.”
Thanks to the team from Spaceport Cornwall, Virgin Orbit, the UK Space Authority and Cornwall Council, who I have worked with over the years to make this project a reality.”
“I look forward to seeing the launch of the first satellites soon, as we continue to reach for the stars.”
Cosmic Girl will carry seven payloads into Lower Earth Orbit from Cornwall via the LauncherOne rocket on the aptly named “Start Me Up” mission; Virgin Orbit’s first international launch.
The missions of these satellites span a wide range of activities aimed at improving life on planet Earth, including reducing the environmental impact of production, preventing illegal trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism; and a host of national security Functions.
This week payloads have begun integration into Virgin Orbit’s launch system from the state-of-the-art Space Systems Integration Facility, the recent opening of which heralded a new era of capability within UK small satellite services.
Alongside Cosmic Girl, Virgin Orbit’s ground support equipment (GSE) and rocket are departing this week from California.