Spaceport Cornwall is a step closer to hosting Britain's first space launch after being issued a licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The launch from the site at Newquay Airport will see the UK become the first country in Europe to launch satellites into space.
The CAA issued the licence following consent from transport secretary Mark Harper and after Spaceport Cornwall demonstrated to the regulator it had met the appropriate safety, security and environmental standards. The approval also means Spaceport Cornwall has the infrastructure, equipment and services for horizontal space launches, the CAA said.
A specially modified Boeing 747 - called Cosmic Girl - from Richard Branson's company Virgin Orbit will help launch the satellite into space. It will have rocket launchers attached to its wing which can then propel small satellites into orbit.
