SPACEPORT

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SPACE, SATELLITES AND DATA ARE DRIVING A NEW ERA OF GROWTH IN CORNWALL.

laying an important role in the national programme, Cornwall has recognised distinct opportunities in data and space; utilising its unique physical, digital and intellectual assets and harnessing the relationships between industries to overcome local and global challenges.

As a result of Cornwall’s space capabilities, the region is leading the way on significant innovations across the data, AI and deep learning sectors - this is thanks to a wide range of businesses, from groundbreaking start-ups, to world leading pioneers.

From 2022, Cornwall Airport Newquay will be home of the UK’s first horizontal spaceport; Spaceport Cornwall. Delivering the operational environment to create a safe, and responsible, launch site for small satellites to reach Lower Earth Orbit.

The Spaceport team is dedicated to engaging with the local community and businesses through job creation, economic growth and raising the profile of Cornwall on a global stage – further strengthening the space cluster and creating future opportunities.

Spaceport Cornwall has partnered with Virgin Orbit for the first series of horizontal launches and has now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a potential second launch partner. US-based space company Sierra Space has signed an MoU to explore collaboration opportunities following the completion of a UK Space Agency-funded ‘Concept of Operations’ for Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane.

Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser is the world’s only commercial spaceplane that can land on a runway. It’s a multi-mission space utility vehicle designed to transport cargo to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the International Space Station.

The MoU means that Sierra Space will use Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay as a potential landing site.