Richard Branson to operate UK’s first space launch from tiny coastal airport

Richard Branson has been given the go-ahead to operate the UK’s first space launch.

The tycoon’s firm Virgin Orbit was awarded licences to operate the project from Cornwall Airport Newquay by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Called Start Me Up in tribute to The Rolling Stones, the mission involves a repurposed Virgin Boeing 747 aircraft and Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket.