The first ever satellite launch from the UK will take place this summer - in Cornwall. The launch will see two new Ministry of Defence (MoD) satellites taken into space and a near-earth orbit.
The two shoebox-sized satellites - called ‘Cubesats’ - will be launched as part of the Prometheus-2 mission from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay, Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin announced yesterday, reports Cornwall Live.
The MoD says the ‘Prometheus-2 Cubesat will "provide a test platform for monitoring radio signals including GPS and sophisticated imaging, paving the way for a more collaborative and connected space communication system with our allies".
It added: "This space mission will allow MoD to better understand how the UK and its international partners can work together to create a more capable and flexible system at a lower cost than could be achieved alone. The technology on board the satellites will enable MoD to identify new techniques and algorithms for operating satellites and data processing."
Defence Procurement Minister Mr Quin said: "Space technology is crucial for developing defence capabilities and the launch of Prometheus-2 represents another important step forward for our homegrown space programme. This collaboration with In-Space Missions and Airbus paves the way for the UK to become a more resilient, more robust and more significant global space entity."
Ian Annett, deputy chief executive at the UK Space Agency, said: "We are putting the UK at the forefront of small satellite launch, providing world-leading capability for commercial customers and governments within a global market, opening new opportunities and inspiring the current and next generation of British space scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. These satellites showcase the UK’s strengths in designing and building satellites.
"Being able to launch from the UK and across Europe for the first time will boost our satellite industry further, create high skilled jobs across the country and deliver a key ambition of the National Space Strategy."
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