LONDON, UK: The UK’s first orbital space launch moved one step nearer to take-off as Spaceport Cornwall received the UK’s first ever spaceport licence.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the licence, following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper, meaning he’s in settlement with the licensing decisions made by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Spaceport Cornwall, based at Cornwall Airport Newquay, has demonstrated to the regulator it has met the suitable safety, security, environment and different aspects to function a UK spaceport. The approval additionally means Spaceport Cornwall has the infrastructure, equipment and services for horizontal space launches.
This newest licence provides to nearly 150 satellite tv for pc licences already approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority since becoming the UK’s space regulator in July 2021.
The rising space industry will boost innovation and is estimated to be worth £16.5 billion and support 47,000 jobs, with 2,500 apprentices opening the sector as much as much extra people.
Richard Moriarty, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is an historic second as we licence the primary ever spaceport within the UK. We’re proud to be playing our half in facilitating the UK’s space ambitions through assessing the safety, safety and different necessities of those activities. This is one other main milestone to allow this nation to become a number one launch nation.
“When we became the space regulator, we dedicated to delivering in an open, efficient and proportionate way, with public safety at its heart. Our work doesn’t cease with this licence decision as we proceed to evaluate different licence applications and oversee the effectiveness of licenced activities, all enabling the UK’s space sector to develop safely and securely.”
Mark Harper, Transport Secretary said: “The cosmic cornerstone is being laid for the UK’s first orbital space launch, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority granting Spaceport Cornwall the primary ever spaceport licence.
“Virgin Orbit’s deliberate launch reinforces our place as a number one space nation as we glance to the way forward for spaceflight, which can spur growth and innovation throughout the sector, in addition to creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.”
Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: “To be the primary Spaceport within the UK with a licence to function is a historic moment. The regulatory environment created by the Civil Aviation Authority ensures that UK launch will set the worldwide bar in phrases of responsibility and transparency.
“Cornwall is now prepared to open up the use of Space for Good, and support the UK industry in harnessing the energy of space to profit life on Earth.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s licence for Spaceport Cornwall follows months of working closely with authorities and different organisations together with the Marine Management Organisation, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority continues to work on a number of licence applications, together with being in very superior stages with Virgin Orbit on its applications for launch and vary licences, in addition to the satellite tv for pc operators, forward of a proposed first UK launch.
The regulator is additionally progressing applications from a vary of different spaceports and operators, and recently began a session on the environmental results of a proposed SaxaVord launch in Scotland.
Dan Hart, Chief Executive of Virgin Orbit, said: “Obtaining this license marks a level of distinction for Spaceport Cornwall, and is a key preparatory milestone for this primary orbital launch from the UK. We appreciate the efforts of the British regulatory agencies with the support of the US Federal Aviation Administration on this first-time licensing process, as we strive in our respective roles to make sure a secure and profitable mission within the approaching weeks.”
Ian Annett, Deputy Chief Executive on the UK Space Agency, said: “The first ever spaceport licence granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority is one other main milestone as we glance forward to the primary satellite tv for pc launch from UK soil this year. Getting to this stage is a testomony to the hard work from companions throughout authorities and industry to make our launch ambitions a actuality and we’re now tantalisingly close.
“Establishing orbital launch capabilities within the UK is already bringing funding and jobs into Cornwall and different communities throughout the UK and inspiring a brand new generation to join our rising space sector.”
Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: What a fantastic milestone. We are now one step nearer to becoming the UK’s first operational Spaceport and I speak for all of us at Cornwall Council as we await with nice pleasure the subsequent steps, looking towards Launch UK with our companions the UK Space Agency and Virgin Orbit.”