The UK is getting set for its first ever rocket to be blasted off into space.
The mission will see a set of satellites sent into space on Monday, from a new facility in Newquay, Cornwall.
It is the first time satellites are being launched into orbit from Europe.
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New technologies are being trialled, and mission controllers are hoping that they – along with British weather – will hold up.
The landmark launch marks the start of the ‘Start Me Up’ mission that backers hope will start a new era of UK-based space launches.
The launch is set for 10.16pm on Monday, with additional back-up dates continuing into mid and late January.
‘Start Me Up’ – named after The Rolling Stones 1981 hit – will use a repurposed Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 aircraft and Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket.
The 747, coined Cosmic Girl, will take off horizontally from Cornwall Airport Newquay while carrying the rocket, before releasing it at 35,000ft over the Atlantic Ocean to the south of Ireland.
The plane will then return to the Cornish spaceport, while the rocket will ignite its engine and take multiple small satellites into orbit.
Previously, UK-produced satellites have needed to be sent to foreign spaceports to make their journey into space.
Ian Annett, deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said: “We are entering a new era for space in the UK with the first ever satellite launch from UK soil and from Europe.
“This is a significant landmark for the nation, the UK Space Agency and for all those who have worked so hard over many years to make our ambitions to create a commercial space launch capability a reality.
“The development of new orbital launch capabilities is already generating growth, catalysing investment and creating jobs in Cornwall and other communities across the United Kingdom.
On Thursday, Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system successfully completed an end-to-end launch rehearsal.
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Dan Hart, Virgin Orbit chief executive, said: “After ensuring that every technical aspect is sound and every regulation and code has been satisfied, it is gratifying to see this historic endeavour on the verge of coming to fruition.
“This launch represents the opening of a new era in the British space industry and new partnerships across industry, government, and allies.”
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