Cosmic Girl, Virgin Orbit’s aircraft which will launch satellites into space from Spaceport Cornwall has touched down in Newquay ahead of the first launch from the UK.
The historic moment was witnessed by crowds who cheered as the 747 jet landed just after 6.30pm on Tuesday.
There were cheers as the aircraft touched down and the US crew was given a heroes’ welcome as they stepped off the plane and into Spaceport Cornwall with staff from the facility visibly overcome with emotion as they saw the arrival.
A launch window for the first launch from Spaceport Cornwall opens at the end of this month and eight small satellites have been prepared for that maiden voyage from Newquay.
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Spaceport Cornwall is a horizontal launch site with modified aircraft like Cosmic Girl set to take off from the site at Cornwall Airport Newquay with rocket launchers attached to the planes which can then propel small satellites into orbit.
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.
The spaceport is the first in the UK and has partnered with Virgin Orbit which will be the first operator to use the facility, using its LauncherOne system to launch satellites into space.
Earlier this week, the first satellites which will be loaded onto the first launch, were being prepared at Spaceport Cornwall.
Among those witnessing this evening’s arrival were Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay; Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for the economy; and Matt Archer from the UK Space Agency. There were also representatives from Virgin Orbit, Cornwall Airport Newquay, and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.
Spaceport Cornwall staff also gathered to witness the occasion, joined by their families so that they could share in their achievements.
Mr Archer, commercial space director at the UK Space Agency, said it was an important moment for Cornwall and the UK. “It is a real triumph of what can be achieved.
“Whilst it is the end of this project there will be the first launch which is set to provide more opportunities for businesses across the UK. There has been major investment in the infrastructure here at Spaceport Cornwall and the development of the integrated satellite facility and the other facilities here.
“A major part of the project was to establish the capabilities for a sustainable and successful launch site and that has been done. We are really pleased that we will now be able to develop the UK space sector even more.”
Mr Double said: “It is an exciting day for me personally after eight years of championing the potential of Spaceport Cornwall and just seeing Cosmic Girl arriving here is a very special moment. Now it really feels like it is going to happen.
“The Government has said they want 10 per cent of the global space sector in the UK and I think the only way to achieve that is to have launch capabilities like we now have here at Spaceport Cornwall. The Government has massively supported this to get us over the line to this moment, despite the turmoil in Westminster and we will continue to get that support.
“This is about putting Cornwall right at the forefront of the space industry with the launch of the first satellites from European soil right here in Cornwall. That creates a huge opportunity here in Cornwall.
“I fully expect we will see other businesses wanting to come to be a part of the space sector and that will create good, well paid jobs here in Cornwall. A big part of this for me personally has been out young people here in Cornwall, inspiring them and giving them aspirations to have a career in space, technology and engineering and knowing they can get those qualifications in STEM subjects and then get good, highly paid jobs here in Cornwall.”
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