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UK’s first space launch facility ‘lifts off’
Katie Coyne Contributing Editor
Virgin Orbit at Spaceport Cornwall (Photo: Spaceport Cornwall)
Cornish firm MWJV is celebrating the UK’s first space launch facility.
Prior to Spaceport Cornwall opening, and first mission on 9 January, satellite manufacturers had to launch their products in other countries.
Based at Cornwall Airport Newquay, the port allows for the horizontal launch of satellites with a modified Boeing 747 and detachable wing-mounted rocket.
The Cornish construction services consultancy managed delivery of the construction phase. Kier was the lead contractor, with specialist firm Bassaire heading up cleanroom elements.
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SSIF viewed from the runway at Spaceport Cornwall (Photo: MWJV)
MWJV financial director Roger Hannaford said: “We’re now looking forward to finalising the project and celebrating its many future successful launches.
"It’s great to see such an innovative and nationally significant project come to life here in Cornwall.”
Complex supply chain
Senior project manager Phil Knight said the project involved a “complex” supply chain comprising, “a multitude of specialist contractors required for the Space Systems Integration Facility (SSIF) fit-out and supporting infrastructure”.
Spaceport Cornwall business development manager Ross Hulbert said the facilities were, “key to attracting a sustainable space industry cluster on site, bringing jobs and building local skills”.
Construction of the cleanroom at Spaceport Cornwall (Photo: MWJV)
The project included construction of two buildings and infrastructure.
The SSIF was completed in September and is where rockets are assembled. It includes a large cleanroom, crane, and airlock for satellite integration activities, plus welfare facilities, meeting rooms, and a large final assembly area.
This is now occupied by one of Spaceport Cornwall’s customers, Virgin Orbit.
A second building, the Space Systems Operations Facility (SSOF), is being fitted out and will be ready by the end of March. This will be a multi-purpose site and where on-site mission control will be based.
The project also required installation of specialist equipment, including a shipping container-sized frequency converter, groundworks for access and car parking, and a rooftop solar array to help meet the building’s sustainability requirements for its BREEAM certification.
