Author Topic: Virgin Orbit to sign partnership agreement with Cornwall, targeting 2021 launch  (Read 8521 times)

Offline Dao Angkan

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http://www.spaceportcornwall.com/pdfs/satellite-launches-set-to-return-to-British-soil-after-50-years.pdf

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Satellite launches set to return to British soil after 50  years following new partnership with Virgin Orbit in  Cornwall

The first British satellite launch in 50 years could take place from Cornwall within  the next three years following a new partnership with Virgin Orbit.

Virgin Orbit, a satellite launch company, has selected Spaceport Cornwall as an  ideal location to operate and deliver one of the first launches of its LauncherO ne  system outside of its US home.

The last British rocket  - Black Arrow  - that sent a satellite into space was  launched from Australia in 1971. The new partnership deal will make history by  pioneering horizontal satellite launches from UK soil. 

The news has been welcomed by  UK Science Minister Sam Gyimah , who said : “The announcement of a strategic partnership between Virgin Orbit and Cornwall  Spaceport is great news for the region and the UK’s ambitions for regular,  reliable and responsible acces s to space. This partnership could see Virgin Orbit’s  innovative horizontal launch technology helping the UK’s small satellite industry  access space from the convenience of a Spaceport in Cornwall. We will work with  both partners to support their ambitions , as we take the next steps in our  national spaceflight programme as part of the government’s modern Industrial  strategy.”

Virgin Orbit is seeking to provide launches from a Spaceport at Cornwall Airport  Newquay by 2021, using a modified Boeing 747 - 400 air craft called “Cosmic Girl”.  Cosmic Girl will carry a LauncherOne rocket under its wing to a launch range  over the Atlantic and release the rocket at around 35,000 feet for onward flight  into space, carrying a satellite into Earth orbit.

As a horizontal air - launch platform, LauncherOne enables Virgin Orbit to conduct  low cost missions quickly and efficiently by bypassing heavily trafficked  established launch ranges. The partnership with Virgin Orbit will help position  Cornwall as having the UK’s only horizon tal launch facility. 

Spaceport Cornwall will provide California - based Virgin Orbit with a strategic  Western European location and make a major contribution to the Cornwall’s  ambition to create a £1 billion space economy as part of its response the UK  Industrial Strategy.

Britain is a world - leader in the production of small satellites , supporting more  than £250 billion of GDP in the wider economy, but lacks any means to get them  into space. The fast - growing global satellite launch market is predicted to be  worth around £10 billion over the next decade . It is estimated that up to 2,600  microsatellites (under 50kg) will require launch over the next five years alone.

Virgin Orbit  will  today (16 July 2018) sign the partnering agreement with  Cornwall Council at Farnborough International Airshow.  Work will now  commence  to develop a detailed plan f or launch by 2021 as well as a  Spaceport  and Operator Licence application. 

The signing of this agreement is the culmination of over a year’s work by a team  led and funde d by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership  (LEP ) , in partnership with Cornwall Council. Following Virgin Orbit’s commitment, Cornwall Council will consider resources to  progress the project at a meeting of its Cabinet on a date to b e confirmed .

Spaceport Cornwall could eventually create 480 jobs and contribute £25 million  a year to the local economy. The LEP’s  Space Action Plan predicts that the wider  space sector could create thousands more jobs in Cornwall and by 2030 be  worth £1 billion a year.

Patrick McCall, Managing Director Virgin Group and Chairman of Virgin  Orbit’s Board of Directors, said: “Cornwall can deliver new la unch  capabilities for the UK quickly and efficiently by upgrading Cornwall Airport  Newquay to support our horizontal air - launch platform. The Cornwall partnership  allows us to grasp important market share, gain instant global launch market  credibility and, with the technology already being tested in the US, further lower  our risk.”

Cornwall Council leader, Adam Paynter , said: “This is a game - changing  partnership that will inspire a generation and create a new industry in Cornwall.  The challenge now is to ma ke the most of this hard - won opportunity so that it  can deliver on its enormous potential not just for Cornwall but for the UK as a  whole. We look forward to welcoming Virgin Orbit to Cornwall and working with  HM Government to realise the potential.”

Mark  Duddridge, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP , said:  “Cornwall can play a key role supporting the UK Government’s Industrial  Strategy ambitions and we have identified space as a major opportunity for  growth.  The partnership with Virgin Orbit is a clear statement that Cornwall is  the best UK location for horizontal launch and opens the door to a global satellite  customer base.  We will work with Government to maximise UK investment and  jobs and make the most of the unique environment at Spaceport Cornwall. With  our clear uncongested airspace and access to launch sites over the sea, it will be  a vital part of a global UK offer and we look forward to working with other UK  vertical launch locations to promote trade and investment.”

The UK Government has a target of achieving  commercial  spaceflight from  British soil from the end of the  decade, as well as increasing  the UK’s share of  the global space economy  from 6.5% now  to 10%  by 2030, which would  be  worth an estimated £40 billion per annum. 

The UK’s space sector ha s estimated annual revenue s of £13.7 billion  and  employs 38,500  people. It has been  growing  at 8% a year over the last decade,  four times as fast as the rest o f the U K economy.

Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is owned by Cornwall Council , was first  unveiled as  one of the UK’s potential Spaceport locations  in July 2014 because  of  its long runway, uncongested airspace and direct access to  the Atlantic Ocean.  Cornwall is  already  home to Goonhilly Earth Station, famous as the world’s  largest satellite earth receiving station. Goonhilly is being  upgraded through an  £8.4m LEP- funded contract with t he European S pace Agency, announced in  February, to  become part  of the deep  space network,  and recently secured a £24  million investment fro m UK billi onaire Peter Hargreaves. 
« Last Edit: 07/16/2018 12:51 am by Dao Angkan »

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https://twitter.com/BBCAmos/status/1135938167041863680

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Interesting development. @spacegovuk and @CornwallCouncil intend to make available up to £20m for Spaceport Cornwall and US launch operator @Virgin_Orbit to develop facilities and operational capabilities in Newquay, dependent on satisfactory business case.

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Press release
Leading the new space age: government backs ambitious plans for the UK in space

UK will play a leading role in the new space age, with new support for domestic satellite launch capability, space weather forecasting, and a National Space Council.

* Up to £20 million could be made available from national and local government, subject to business case, for Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit as part of the Industrial Strategy spaceflight programme – LaunchUK
* UK Space Agency to work with the United States to enhance space weather forecasting, with £7 million for UCL scientists to build key instruments.
* National Space Council to be established as part of upgrade to UK space strategy and governance
* The government is ensuring the UK plays a leading role in the new space age as part of its modern Industrial Strategy, with new support for domestic satellite launch capability and space weather forecasting, as well as a new National Space Council to improve UK space strategy.

There are significant opportunities for the growing UK space sector as commercial space activity increases globally and the United States leads international efforts to return humans to the Moon by 2024.

Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit

The UK Space Agency and Cornwall Council intend to make available up to £20 million for Spaceport Cornwall and US launch operator Virgin Orbit to develop facilities and operational capabilities that would enable small satellite launch from Cornwall in the early 2020s. This investment remains subject to business case approval processes, including from Cornwall Council later this year.

The funding would consist of up to £12 million from Cornwall Council and up to £7.85 million from the UK Space Agency, including a contribution of £0.5 million from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

Spaceport Cornwall could create 150 jobs and enable the UK to compete for a share of the global market for launching small satellites worth a potential £3.9 billion to 2030. Launch from the UK will be an opportunity to inspire children and young people to take up careers in science, engineering or even as space entrepreneurs. 

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: 

Space is not only about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, it is a rapidly growing sector of our economy which plays a key role in our modern Industrial Strategy, promotes global Britain and ensures our national security.

These exciting plans from Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit to make horizontal launch a reality from Cornwall will help further our position as a leader in the new space age.

Alongside our commitment to the proposed vertical launch spaceport in Sutherland, this is making the UK the most attractive place in Europe for those looking to Earth’s orbit and beyond.

The UK government is working with the United States to establish the necessary technical and legal safeguards for US space launch vehicle operations from UK launch sites. The US State Department has already approved a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) allowing detailed technical discussions and strategic planning to commence. This would allow Virgin Orbit, which is also investing around £2.5 million in the project, to operate its LauncherOne system and Cosmic Girl carrier aircraft from Cornwall Airport Newquay. A maiden US launch is expected later this year.

Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit, said:

We are very proud to play a role in bringing space launch back to Britain - with a revolutionary new level of flexibility and responsiveness. The Virgin Orbit team has now demonstrated every major assembly of our LauncherOne system and are within arm’s reach of bringing to the UK. We’re thankful for the leadership of Minister Skidmore, MP Steve Double, Cornwall Council, the LEP and the UK Space Agency in making this partnership a reality.

Last month Science Minister, Chris Skidmore, visited Cornwall Airport Newquay to meet some of those involved in Cornwall’s thriving space sector and hear more about their ambitious plans for horizontal spaceflight.

Julian German, Leader of Cornwall Council, said:

Cornwall is the birthplace of innovation and technology and space is at the heart of our 21st century economy. With assets like Spaceport Cornwall, world-class mission control facilities at Goonhilly Earth Station and superb digital connectivity, Cornwall will play a vital role in the growth of the global space economy.

Mark Duddridge, Chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership said:

This announcement is the culmination of 5 years’ hard work and will be transformative for Cornwall. It puts us and the UK at the heart of the international satellite launch market, offering affordable access to space, and will inspire a generation.

I am excited to announce that today the LEP have committed a further £0.5 million to the funding package as a Growth Deal investment into Spaceport Infrastructure.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said:

The development of Cornwall’s horizontal launch spaceport is a fantastic example of the UK spaceflight industry’s innovation and expertise.

Government support and collaboration with operators like Virgin Orbit will help cement the UK’s position as an aviation world leader, unlocking potential and creating jobs.

Space weather

As well as opportunities, space also presents threats. Space weather occurs when the Sun sporadically ejects material and radiation which can be hazardous to astronauts and disrupt electrical infrastructure, communications, aviation and satellite navigation.

The UK Space Agency is providing €8 (£7) million funding for leading scientists at UCL to develop a new instrument – a ‘plasma analyser’ – to monitor space weather. When placed in space between the Earth and the Sun, this would give early warnings to allow industry and space operators to take corrective action to protect assets such as power grids.

The UK Space Agency and European Space Agency (ESA) will collaborate closely on science, space and ground systems technology with NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. In the next 5 years NOAA and ESA, with support from the UK, are planning to launch 2 complementary space weather monitoring spacecraft.

National Space Council

The UK can use its space capabilities to promote security, prosperity and science, as well as trade, international partnerships and global influence.

A new National Space Council, to be established later this year, will provide strategic leadership on space across government, coordinating all aspects of the UK’s space strategy, investment and use of space through a new National Space Framework.

Science Minister Chris Skidmore said:

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, these announcements demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to space. Satellite technology is crucial to our daily lives, for observing the Earth and gathering vital climate change data, and the space industry is growing rapidly with 42,000 jobs across the country. Establishing a National Space Council is a landmark occasion and will help put space at the heart of government policy.

The UK will remain a leading member of the European Space Agency and is also considering a national investment programme to forge new international partnerships, position the sector to access more than £70 billion of emerging commercial opportunities and foster crucial industrial capabilities.

Andy Green, President of UKspace, said:

We welcome the government’s announcement to establish a National Space Council. Around the world governments act as key customers, enablers and regulators of space.

The creation of a National Space Council is critical step to a more joined up approach across government to support the growth of the UK space sector and mirroring the approach taken in the United States.

Notes to editors

1. Government is committed to supporting all potential spaceports to realise their plans. Following its call for Spaceflight grant proposals in Spring 2017, the UK Space Agency assessed 26 proposals to determine what would deliver the best value for money and strategic opportunity for the growth of the UK space sector. The government is supporting the creation of a vertical launch spaceport in Scotland, which Lockheed Martin and Orbex will operate from, as well as the development of horizontal spaceflight. Last month, the UK Space Agency opened a £2 million Horizontal Development Fund to enable future horizontal spaceports to support their plans for small satellite launch and sub-orbital flight. Find out more about the promotion and regulation of spaceflight from the UK

2. In the absence of space weather forecast capability, the socioeconomic impacts of an extreme space weather event, known as a Carrington event, could cost the UK £16 billion.

3. The National Space Framework will consist of 3 priority areas:

Prosperity and Knowledge
Security and Protection
Global Influence

4. The US National Space Council was re-established in June 2017 in order to provide a coordinated process for developing and monitoring the implementation of US space policy and strategy. The Vice President of the United States chairs the Council.

5. Virgin Orbit: Thanks to its “mobile launch pad,” a modified 747 dubbed Cosmic Girl, LauncherOne offers satellite customers an unparalleled level of control over when and where their spacecraft are deployed. Expanding to an additional launch site in the UK further enhances the agility and flexibility of Virgin Orbit’s dedicated launch services. Virgin Orbit has now tested every component and system of the LauncherOne platform in the run up to the company’s first orbital launch, expected soon.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/leading-the-new-space-age-government-backs-ambitious-plans-for-the-uk-in-space
« Last Edit: 06/04/2019 05:21 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

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UK Space Agency confirms £7.35 million funding to support small satellite launch from Cornwall
Virgin Orbit UK Limited will use the investment to develop advanced equipment and operational capabilities

Published 5 November 2019
From:
UK Space Agency, Department for Transport, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and Chris Skidmore

The UK Space Agency will award £7.35 million to Virgin Orbit UK Limited, the UK branch of US launch operator Virgin Orbit, to enable horizontal launch of small satellites at Cornwall Airport Newquay, it was confirmed today (Tuesday 5 November).

The funding will help to develop advanced ground support equipment, including UK-based manufacturing of key equipment, and conduct mission planning. Together with funding from the Cornwall Council for spaceport infrastructure, this grant helps secure the first satellite launch from Spaceport Cornwall, which Virgin Orbit are planning for the early 2020s, pending regulatory approvals.

Spaceport Cornwall estimates a horizontal launch spaceport at Cornwall Airport Newquay could create 150 immediate jobs, with additional opportunities for local businesses in directly supporting the site.

Science Minister, Chris Skidmore said:

We want the UK to be the first country in Europe to give its small satellite manufacturers a clear route from the factory to the spaceport. That’s why it’s so important that we are developing new infrastructure to allow aircraft to take off and deploy satellites, a key capability that the UK currently lacks.

Today’s announcement will help the UK to harness the commercial opportunities offered by the global space industry and put the UK firmly on the map as Europe’s leading launch destination.

Access to space is a vital tool for global efforts to tackle climate change, as satellites give the science community key measurements of temperature, sea levels and ice cover, while improving management of natural resources. The government is clear that launch activities must not unduly affect the environment and independent research carried out by the University of Exeter demonstrates that Spaceport Cornwall is not expected to have a significant impact on Cornwall’s overall greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to combat climate change.

The UK Space Agency originally announced its intention to award funding to Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit in June, subject to approval, as part of a wider £20 million funding package from Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership. Today’s announcement by the UK Space Agency follows the completion of the necessary due diligence and conclusion of the grant agreement with Virgin Orbit UK Limited. Cornwall Council are expected to confirm whether they will award £10 million capital funding to the project at a council meeting later this month.

This new funding will complement the recent award of £300,000 from the UK Space Agency’s targeted development fund to further support Cornwall’s ambition to be a centre for future flight technologies.

Pending regulatory approvals in the US and UK, Virgin Orbit plan to operate its LauncherOne system from Cornwall Airport Newquay using a modified Boeing 747 jet to carry the launcher system. Virgin Orbit will make its own contribution to the project of around £2.5 million, with the company’s launch activities helping to attract new business and investment opportunities, as well as inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit, said:

We’re tremendously excited to be supporting the UK Space Agency and Cornwall Council by bringing space launch to the UK. By establishing a strong local hub for our launch system, this joint project will boost UK participation in a fast-growing global space economy while also providing direct, ready, and responsive access to space for government missions.

We very much look forward to furthering our ties with the cutting-edge satellite innovators across the UK and with local industry, who will be critical partners in fulfilling the full potential of this endeavour.

We’re eager to set up a world-class launch facility at Spaceport Cornwall, bring domestic space launch to the UK, and launch the next generation of satellite developers in their quest to better understand our Earth and our environment, connect human kind, serve national security, and explore our solar system.

Minister for the Future of Transport, George Freeman said:

This latest investment in Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit is the exciting result of Government and the aerospace sector working together to help potential spaceports realise their global ambitions.

The UK is a world leader in small satellite technology and we are committed to supporting the UK as a world leader in space technology, and establishing a network of spaceports that enables us to operate regular flights is key to that.

To help grow the UK’s spaceflight capabilities, Government is funding a range of industry-led projects including £31.5 million to help establish launch services from a new vertical launch spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-space-agency-confirms-735-million-funding-to-support-small-satellite-launch-from-cornwall

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Chaos erupts in Cornwall Council chamber after Spaceport funding vote

Objectors to the Spaceport including members of the Extinction Rebellion campaign group held a protest outside County Hall ahead of the meeting and then packed the public gallery

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/chaos-erupts-cornwall-council-chamber-3579848

Edit to add:

https://twitter.com/spacecornwall/status/1199357612283834369

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Funding approved for @SpaceCornwall by @CornwallCouncil by 66 votes to 34 with one abstention
« Last Edit: 11/26/2019 03:45 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

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https://twitter.com/virgin_orbit/status/1230969112219643904

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In March, @Virgin_Orbit / @SpaceCornwall will hold industry events in Bristol and Cornwall as part of the work underway to bring small satellite launch to the UK. We'll give details on the 2021 mission, and provide an opportunity for suppliers and customers to get involved, too!

twitter.com/virgin_orbit/status/1230969259917922304

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If you're interested in attending the local Cornwall event, let us know! We'd love to have you.

https://twitter.com/virgin_orbit/status/1230969387475075072

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Or, to learn more info about our plans at @SpaceCornwall and RSVP for the broader event in Bristol, hop on over to our website. ⤵
https://virginorbit.com/supplychain-uk-national-day/

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https://twitter.com/superclusterhq/status/1273426325987119105

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Awesome news from across the pond today: the US and UK governments have signed a new Technology Safeguard Agreement, granting us and other launch providers the ability to fly to space from UK soil. Read more from @spacegovuk ↓
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-us-uk-agreement-boosts-uks-spaceport-plans

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British PM talking about LauncherOne in Cornwall:

https://twitter.com/borisjohnson/status/1402725419984502784

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As the world builds back better from coronavirus, Cornwall will lead the way.

#G7UK #G7Cornwall #BuildBackBetter
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-new-funding-for-cornwall-to-create-a-g7-legacy-for-the-region

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Nice view of the scale of LauncherOne

https://twitter.com/cornwall_ll/status/1404100834359709700

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it has been fascinating to see and hear about Virgin Orbit Launcher One at St Mawgan during the @G7 weekend and I hope huge numbers of people will have the chance to see it in #Cornwall while it is here

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Cross-posts:

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1448678488970457088
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Jeff Foust @jeff_foust
Janice Starzyk of Virgin Orbit says the first LauncherOne mission from Spaceport Cornwall in the UK is scheduled for June 2022. It’s tied to the Queen’s jubilee, so desire to keep to that schedule.

Government to fund Cornish satellite [dated Jun. 10]

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The Government has announced plans to fund the design and build of a community satellite for Cornwall.

Kernow Sat 1 will be the first satellite designed, manufactured and launched in Cornwall – with the intention of it forming part of Virgin Orbit’s first UK launch next year from Spaceport Cornwall.

In line with Spaceport Cornwall’s mission of championing the use of satellites for environmental monitoring, the satellite will bring together the community to problem solve issues around Cornwall’s marine health and its Blue Economy.

The Government funding will be used for the research, design and build of CubeSat: Kernow Sat 1. The research will be undertaken by the University of Exeter who will be running a think tank with experts in the marine field to establish the exact data requirements to effectively research and implement activities surrounding the health of Cornwall’s coasts and associated economy.

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