Virgin Orbit has been granted the final remaining licenses from the UK Civil Aviation Authority ahead of the scheduled first UK launch from Spaceport Cornwall.<\/h2>\n

The licenses were issued within 15 months and following consent from the UK Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, for Virgin Orbit’s launch and range licenses. This means he is in agreement with the licensing decisions conducted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority for the Spaceport Cornwall launch.<\/p>\n

Tim Johnson, Director for Space Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is another major milestone in enabling the very first orbital space launch from UK shores, and these licences will assist Virgin Orbit with their final preparations for launch.<\/p>\n

“Effective licensing forms an integral part of UK space activity, and with public safety at the heart of our decision making, we’ve worked with Virgin Orbit to assess their applications and issue licences within our expected timelines.”<\/p>\n

What will the Virgin Orbit launch involve?<\/h3>\n

Virgin Orbit’s \u2018Start Me Up’ mission will pioneer the first space launch in the UK. The mission will launch from Spaceport Cornwall, which operates out of Cornwall Newquay Airport, and will involve a modified Boeing 747 carrying a rocket that will be flown and released in a designated launch location over the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Boosting job opportunities for Spaceport Cornwall and the UK space sector<\/h3>\n

By establishing space launch capabilities in the UK, Virgin Orbit will provide lucrative investment and job opportunities to not only Spaceport Cornwall but the UK space industry<\/a> as a whole. The sector has gathered significant traction in recent years. It is estimated to be worth \u00a316.5bn and supports 47,000 jobs, with around 2,500 apprenticeships opening the door to the sector more than ever before.<\/p>\n