First ever rocket launch from the UK about to take off
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK’s first ever rocket launch is about to lift off.
The mission – which will carry a set of satellites into space, which has never happened from Western Europe before – is scheduled for Monday.
Mission controllers will be hoping that the new technology required for the launch, as well as the weather, will hold out for the launch from Cornwall.
But if they do then they will mark a major part of the ‘Start Me Up’ mission that backers hope will start a new era of space launches from the UK.
The initial window for the historic mission will open at 10.16pm on Monday, with additional back-up dates continuing into mid and late January
Named in tribute to The Rolling Stones 1981 hit, the mission involves a repurposed Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 aircraft and Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket.
The 747, dubbed Cosmic Girl, will take off horizontally from the new facility at Cornwall Airport Newquay while carrying the rocket, before releasing it at 35,000ft over the Atlantic Ocean to the south of Ireland.
The plane will then return to the spaceport while the rocket will ignite its engine and take multiple small satellites, with a variety of civil and defence applications, into orbit.
They will be the first satellites launched into space from Europe.
In the past, satellites produced in the UK have needed to be sent to foreign spaceports to make their journey into space.
Ian Annett, deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said: “We are entering a new era for space in the UK with the first ever satellite launch from UK soil and from Europe.
“This is a significant landmark for the nation, the UK Space Agency and for all those who have worked so hard over many years to make our ambitions to create a commercial space launch capability a reality.
“The development of new orbital launch capabilities is already generating growth, catalysing investment and creating jobs in Cornwall and other communities across the United Kingdom.
“This will lead to new careers, improved productivity and inspire the next generation of space professionals, and this is just the beginning.
“I look forward to seeing more launches from other UK spaceports over the next year, putting us firmly on the map as Europe’s leading destination for commercial small satellite launch.”
It was originally hoped the launch could take place before Christmas but due to technical and regulatory issues it had to be pushed into 2023.
On Thursday, Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system successfully completed an end-to-end launch rehearsal.
Dan Hart, Virgin Orbit chief executive, said: “After ensuring that every technical aspect is sound and every regulation and code has been satisfied, it is gratifying to see this historic endeavour on the verge of coming to fruition.
“This launch represents the opening of a new era in the British space industry and new partnerships across industry, government, and allies.”
Melissa Thorpe, head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: “This is a phenomenal moment with incredible international collaboration. Virgin Orbit, the UK Space Agency and all of our partners are breaking new ground to transform access to space across the world from right here in Cornwall.
“My team at Spaceport Cornwall have worked so hard to get this far and we wish everyone the best of luck as the launch window opens, we are ready.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments