Rocket plane could operate twice daily from Cornwall spaceport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

Spaceport Cornwall has signed an agreement with space company Dawn Aerospace to potentially base its Aurora spaceplane at Newquay airport.

Spaceport Cornwall has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with space transport company Dawn Aerospace to establish the possibility of operating the Aurora spaceplane from Newquay airport. The aircraft is a reusable, rocket-powered vehicle designed to reach altitudes of up to 100km and speeds exceeding 2,800mph, carrying payloads of up to 15kg.

Unlike traditional launch systems, Aurora takes off and lands on conventional runways and is designed for rapid turnaround in as little as four hours. The arrangement could allow for multiple missions within a single day. After launch, the aircraft spends more than two minutes in microgravity before re-entering the atmosphere and gliding back to the runway.

Ross Hulbert, head of engagement at Spaceport Cornwall, said the agreement represented an exciting opportunity for the UK. 'The Aurora spaceplane offers a more responsive and reusable approach to accessing the upper atmosphere and near-space environment, opening new possibilities for research organisations, technology developers, defence users and commercial customers,' he said. The Aurora has already completed 64 test flights, with plans for full launch next year.

How it is being reported

• Cornwall airport could launch daily flights – to space!Plans are being made to launch two rockets from Newquay airport to the edge of space every day, as Spaceport Cornwall signs an MoU with Dawn Aerospace.Falmouth Packet · 20 Oct, 12:02
• Rocket plane could travel to space 'twice a day' from Cornwall under new planIt takes off and lands on a conventional runway and is designed for rapid turnaroundCornwallLive · 20 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Spaceport Cornwall · Dawn Aerospace · Aurora · Cornwall Airport Newquay · Ross Hulbert · Cornwall

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