Historic plans to send satellites into space from Spaceport Cornwall have taken a giant leap forward.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued the final remaining licences to Virgin Orbit ahead of a planned UK launch after requirements were met within 15 months.

The first launch of a satellite into space from the UK can now go ahead from Cornwall’s Spaceport and Newquay Airport and some have been predicting a date early in the New Year.

The licences were issued following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper for Virgin Orbit’s launch and range licence, meaning he is in agreement with the licensing decisions made by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Virgin Orbit met the requirements having demonstrated to the UK Civil Aviation Authority it has taken all reasonable steps to ensure safety risks are as low as reasonably practicable. Virgin Orbit also met other security and environmental aspects required for launch.

Virgin Orbit received its range control licence from the space regulator, which enables the company to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and monitor the progress of the rocket.

Tim Johnson, director for space regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “This is another major milestone in enabling the very first orbital space launch from UK shores and these licences will assist Virgin Orbit with their final preparations for launch.

“Effective licensing forms an integral part of UK space activity, and with public safety at the heart of our decision making, we’ve worked with Virgin Orbit to assess their applications and issue licences within our expected timelines.”

Dan Hart, chief executive of Virgin Orbit, said: “With our partners at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Spaceport Cornwall, UK Space Agency and our payload customers, together we are progressing towards the first launch from Cornwall – keeping a strong focus on a safe and successful mission for all.”

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: “It has been an incredible effort by all partners to reach this milestone, and my team cannot wait to share in the excitement of the upcoming launch with everyone that has made it happen.”

Licences come after the regulator issued a spaceport licence to Spaceport Cornwall.

Virgin Orbit’s ‘Start Me Up’ mission will see a modified Boeing 747 carry a rocket to be flown and released in a designated launch location over the Atlantic Ocean.