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T H E O N L Y WAY I S U P S PA C E , S AT E L L I T E S A N D D ATA A R E D R I V I N G A N E W E R A O F G R OW T H I N CO R N WA L L. 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.
F R O M 2 0 2 2 , C O R N WA L L A I R P O R T N E W Q U AY W I L L B E H O M E O F T H E U K ’ S F I R S T H O R I Z O N TA L S PA C E P O R T ; S PA C E P O R T C O R N WA L L 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.
14 | FIND THE BALANCE
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.
