Britain issues first spaceport licence before satellite launch

London: Britain issued its first spaceport licence, paving the way for the country’s maiden satellite launch later this year as it looks to become Europe’s leading space industry player.

The licence was issued to Spaceport Cornwall.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK regulator, also said it was in “very advanced stages” with Virgin Orbit , Richard Branson’s small satellite service provider, for additional licences needed for the launch itself.

The issue of the spaceport licence to the site in Newquay, Cornwall, puts Britain one step closer to becoming the first country in Europe from where satellites can be launched into orbit.

The first UK launch is expected before the end of the year, the UK Space Agency’s deputy chief executive, Ian Annett, said in a CAA statement.

Virgin Orbit plans to use a modified Boeing 747 with a rocket attached under its wing. Once in flight, the rocket will set off, taking small satellites into orbit in what is known as a horizontal launch.

Britain has a large space industry employing 47,000 people who build more satellites than anywhere outside the United States.