Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 86
We are disappointed that a launch from the UK has not yet been achieved, especially...
Recommendation
We are disappointed that a launch from the UK has not yet been achieved, especially as we were assured on several occasions that the first horizontal launch would take place in summer 2022. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport must prioritise working towards achieving the first launch from UK soil as soon as possible.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the failed Virgin Orbit launch from Spaceport Cornwall and states they are working with Virgin Orbit to understand the anomaly while remaining committed to developing the UK’s launch capability, with further vertical launches planned from Scotland from 2024 onwards.
Paragraph Reference:
86
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
On 9th January, Virgin Orbit conducted their launch from Spaceport Cornwall. Whilst the rocket successfully launched, the second stage engine experienced an anomaly meaning that the satellites being carried onboard were not successfully placed into orbit. We are working with Virgin Orbit to understand what caused the anomaly and remain firmly committed to developing the UK’s launch capability, with further vertical launches planned from Scotland from 2024 onwards.