The first ever orbital satellite launch from the UK is expected to happen "soon", the government has said. The launch from Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Airport will mark a new era in Britain's space history.
An Oxfordshire-built research satellite - known as DOVER - from international engineering firm Rhea Group will be among the satellites released into orbit by Virgin Orbit in the UK's first ever horizontal space launch. It will transmit a signal to provide data from space that can be used to obtain a position or an accurate time.
The launch will see Britain become the first country in Europe to launch satellites into space, meeting goals set out in the government’s National Space Strategy.
How will it work?
A specially modified Boeing 747 from Virgin Orbit - called Cosmic Girl - that has a rocket attached under its wing, will take off from the runway. In flight, the LauncherOne rocket will launch from the wing, taking multiple small satellites into orbit. The plane will then return to the Spaceport, able to launch more satellites in future.
The 747 will fly out over the sea and launch its rocket far away from populated areas.
Why launch from the UK?
Britain has a growing space sector, which employs 47,000 people. UK space companies have a strong track record in satellite manufacturing, spacecraft design and data applications. According to the Government, Glasgow builds more satellites than anywhere outside the the US.
The UK is also located relatively far north, which means it’s perfect for launching satellites into polar and Sun-synchronous orbits, which go over the north and south poles. These orbits are ideal for satellites that monitor the Earth and provide telecommunications.
With a long coastline and many islands, the UK offers a range of suitable locations for launching rockets safely out over the sea – away from settlements and people.
What is being launched?
Several small satellites will be launched into orbit on the first UK launch. The satellites will do many different things, including improving navigation and communications.
Several of the satellites have been constructed in the UK, including the first Welsh satellite, which will also be on the launch and was built by Cardiff-based Space Forge. It will test the process of using the unique microgravity environment of space to manufacture special materials that are much more difficult to make on Earth.
What benefits will it bring?
Launch services are worth a potential £3.8bn to the UK economy over the next decade, the government has said. UK spaceports will need new skills, supply chains and supporting services, creating high-skilled jobs and opportunities across the country.
For example, Spaceport Cornwall and the Centre for Space Technologies expect to create 150 jobs.
Through initiatives such as our LogoLiftOff! and Nanosat Design competitions, the UK Space Agency is also harnessing launch as a platform to encourage young people to pursue STEM - science, technology, engineering and maths - subjects in order to help grow the UK’s future space talent pipeline.
There are several other spaceports currently planned or under construction in the UK. These are in England, Scotland and Wales.
READ MORE
- All about the Virgin Orbit space launch from Cornwall and when it could happen
- British-built satellite set for first launch from Spaceport Cornwall
- Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit to launch next satellite from Cornwall in 2022
- Meet Melissa Thorpe, the woman leading the South West space race at Spaceport Cornwall
- Work starts on £2m Aviation Centre at Cornwall's Spaceport
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