The UK is about to have its first space launch – but Cornwall is unlikely to become a new Cape Canaveral

By Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University

Virgin Orbit, a US company which provides launch services for satellites, has announced that the first orbital space mission from the UK will blast off from Cornwall. The rocket, which will carry nine satellites, along with a launch aircraft have been delivered by an RAF C-17 – a military, heavy-lift strategic transport plane.

This is primed to be a new phase for the UK and its involvement in space missions. It has the potential…

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