Final preparations underway for first UK satellite launch

The mission, if successful, would be the first orbital space launch from the UK and the first international launch for Virgin Orbit, founded by British billionaire Richard Branson.

The mission will see a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 aircraft carrying a rocket take off from Cornwall in southwest England from around 10:15am on Monday. About an hour after takeoff, the plane will release the rocket at 35,000 feet (about 10,000 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean south of Ireland, the AP reports.

The rocket will then carry nine small satellites into orbit for mixed civilian and defense use, while the aircraft returns to Cornwall. A Welsh company wants to manufacture materials such as electronic components in space.

The UK Space Agency said it would be the first commercial satellite launch from Western Europe. In the past, satellites built in the UK had to be shipped to spaceports in other countries to make their journey into space.

The company, which is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, has already completed four similar launches from the US, AP reported.

Ian Annett, deputy chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “This marks the start of a new era for the UK in terms of launch capabilities. There was strong market demand for small satellite launches and the UK’s ambition is to become a hub for European launches. “

Annett said it is too early to say whether more missions are planned in the coming months.

The mission is a collaboration between the UK Space Agency, the Royal Air Force, Virgin Orbit and Cornwall Council. The launch was originally planned for late last year, but was postponed due to technical and regulatory issues.

(with AP inputs)