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Written statement made by Grant Shapps (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 January 2023 in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.


First Launch of Satellites from Cornwall

Last night, Virgin Orbit attempted the first orbital launch from Spaceport Cornwall. Unfortunately, the launch was unsuccessful. We will work closely with Virgin Orbit as they investigate what caused the failure in the coming days and weeks. While a failed launch is disappointing, launching a spacecraft always carries significant risks. Despite this, the project has succeeded in creating a horizontal launch capability at Spaceport Cornwall, and we remain committed to becoming the leading provider of commercial small satellite launch in Europe by 2030, with vertical launches planned from Scotland in the next year.


Secondary information

Type
Written statement
Reference
HCWS489 
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Satellites Spaceflight Virgin Orbit Spaceport Cornwall
Link
View this Written statement on www.parliament.uk