Spaceport Cornwall (Horizontal Launch)
Newquay Airport, Cornwall, UK · 2014 (project launched) - 2023 (first orbital launch attempt)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchSpaceport Cornwall aimed to be the UK's first licensed spaceport for horizontal launches, providing flexible and low-cost access to space. - The first orbital launch attempt in January 2023, though unsuccessful, marked a significant milestone for UK space capabilities. - The project highlights the UK's ambition to become a leading player in the commercial space sector.
Key engineering challenges
Adapting existing airport infrastructure for horizontal space launch operations. - Integrating the LauncherOne rocket with the carrier aircraft. - Obtaining necessary licenses and regulatory approvals for spaceflight from UK authorities. - Ensuring safe and reliable launch operations from a civilian airport.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Cornwall Council, UK Space Agency, Virgin Orbit (formerly)
- Lead contractor
- Virgin Orbit (formerly); Spaceport Cornwall (operations)
- Lead designers
- Virgin Orbit (LauncherOne system)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Utilizes converted aircraft (e.g., Boeing 747) to carry rockets to 35,000ft for horizontal launch; designed for small satellite deployment.
- Disciplines
- Aerospace engineering; launch vehicle integration; airport operations; space systems engineering; regulatory compliance
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Space Agency regulations; Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations; international space law.
Sources: Spaceport Cornwall: Becoming the UK's first Licensed Spaceport (https://spaceportcornwall.com/becoming-the-uks-first-licensed-spaceport-the-next-step-on-the-road-to-net-zero/) - Cornwall Space Cluster: Spaceport Cornwall (https://www.cornwallspacecluster.co.uk/uk-facilities-in-cornwall/spaceport-cornwall/) - BBC News: Inside the UK's first spaceport (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7cbyVQhSQ0) - CornwallLive: Space launch Cornwall: Council paid £1 million to Virgin Orbit (https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/space-launch-cornwall-council-paid-8115381)