Spaceport Cornwall

operating Government Agency 11–50 employees

UK's first licensed spaceport enabling horizontal small satellite launches and hosting advanced aerospace testing from Cornwall Airport Newquay

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About

Spaceport Cornwall is the United Kingdom's first licensed spaceport, operating from Cornwall Airport Newquay in southwest England. The facility specializes in horizontal launch of small satellites into low Earth orbit using uncongested Atlantic-facing airspace. Formed in 2014 as a consortium between Cornwall Council, Goonhilly Earth Station, and the UK Space Agency, the spaceport hosted the UK's first orbital launch attempt in January 2023 with Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne system. Beyond launch operations, Spaceport Cornwall offers consultancy services and facilities to space sector companies through the Cornwall Space Cluster ecosystem. The site has attracted advanced aerospace programs including ESA's INVICTUS hypersonic test programme and UK Ministry of Defence hypersonic research. The organization runs STEM education outreach across Cornwall and has committed to becoming the world's first net-zero spaceport.

Products & Services

Aerospace Consultancy

Expert consultancy services for space companies and spaceports worldwide, covering launch operations, sustainability, and regulatory compliance

Horizontal Launch Services

Small satellite launch capability into LEO using modified carrier aircraft releasing rockets from Cornwall Airport Newquay's 2,744m runway over Atlantic corridors

STEM Education Programme

Schools outreach and engagement programme inspiring next-generation careers in space and STEM across Cornwall

Space Systems Operations Facility

On-site facility for satellite operators and space companies, currently hosting Avanti Communications' fleet of three geostationary satellites

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