Richard Branson's satellite company Virgin Orbit has finally been granted licences to allow it to take part in the UK's first-ever space launch. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the entrepreneur's company had met the licensing requirements having demonstrated it had taken "all reasonable steps" to ensure safety risks arising from launch activities were as "low as reasonably practicable".
The licences were issued following consent from transport secretary Mark Harper. Virgin Orbit also received its range control licence from the space regulator, which means the company is able to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and monitor the progress of the rocket.
The launch from Spaceport Cornwall, at Newquay Cornwall Airport, was due to happen on December 14 but has been delayed until after Christmas. Virgin Orbit previously cited technical and regulatory challenges in getting ready for the launch.
