Spaceport Cornwall is on the precipice of making history as the first facility to launch a satellite into space from Western Europe.

Virgin Orbit is going through the final preparations ahead of the planned horizontal launch of its Cosmic Girl 747 aircraft from Cornwall Airport Newquay on Monday night between 9.40pm and 11pm.

Cosmic Girl will carry LauncherOne, a 70-foot-long rocket packed full of satellites, to an altitude of roughly 35,000 ft before the rocket is 'horizontally' dropped one hour after take off between 10.54pm and 11.54pm.

The rocket will then engage its thrusters to launch itself into space at up to 17,500 mph, where it will deposit the satellites sometime between 1.15am and 1.30 am.

Cosmic Girl is earmarked to return to base between midnight and 1am. The satellite launch, aptly named the “Start Me Up” mission in honour of the Rolling Stones’ 1981 hit, will be Virgin Orbit’s first international launch and the first commercial launch from Western Europe. 

LauncherOne will carry seven payloads into Lower Earth Orbit, which will span a wide range of activities aimed at improving life on planet Earth, including reducing the environmental impact of production; preventing illegal trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism; and a host of national security functions.

This will include the first ever satellite launched by the Sultanate of Oman focused on Earth Observation; future-facing return satellite tech aboard Wales’ first satellite, built by Space Forge; a Maritime monitoring payload built by Horizon Technologies and the Satellite Applications Catapult; as well satellites from the MOD, DSTL and US National Reconnaissance Office.

Virgin Orbit staged a press conference at Spaceport Cornwall on Sunday afternoon ahead of the planned satellite launch, which was attended by the world’s media.

Dan Hart, the of CEO Virgin Orbit, said: “Everything is green. The rocket was armed yesterday.

“We will be loading the fuel later today. We want to make sure we give every opportunity for a successful launch.

"We have a robust aeroplane but we will be keeping an eye on cross winds.“There is an ability to fly about the clouds but we have to make sure lightening is not a possibility."

The satellite launch, which is a collaborative effort between the UK Space Agency (UKSA), Cornwall Council, the Royal Air Force and Virgin Orbit, was first mooted in 2014.

Tension is now building as the final countdown takes place.

Melissa Thorpe, the Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: “I feel really focused.

"I thought I would be nervous but the team has smashed it. I cannot wait for the UK to join the exclusive launch club.”

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.

"This will lead to new careers, improved productivity and inspire the next generation of space professionals, and this is just the beginning.

"I look forward to seeing more launches from other UK spaceports over the next year, putting us firmly on the map as Europe’s leading destination for commercial small satellite launch.”  

Mr Hart added: “After ensuring that every technical aspect is sound and every regulation and code has been satisfied, it is gratifying to see this historic endeavor 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. Space is already responsible for tens of thousands of jobs across the UK, the global industry is growing quickly, and so is the potential.

"And this launch is demonstrating that with the Virgin Orbit LauncherOne system an airport can become a spaceport that sends humankind’s innovations on their journey."

People eager to watch the historic satellite launch have secured a select amount of tickets that were made available.

A designated open air viewing area has been organised, which is across the runway from the Spaceport Cornwall hangar.

People will also be able to watch the launch from the comfort of their own home on the Virgin Orbit livestream, which will be on their YouTube channel and will include lots of behind the scenes content. 

Mr Thomas, who will be watching the launch live, said: “I can’t wait to watch the historic launch and experience the sights and smells that come with it.”

Geoff Brown, the former Cornwall Council Cabinet member for transport, who pushed for Spaceport Cornwall to become a reality, said: “After eight years of campaigning and promoting the fantastic opportunities that Spaceport will bring to Cornwall we are on the verge of the first space launch from European soil. 

“I am delighted at the outcome having been involved as the lead member for Spaceport from 2017 to 2021.

"I spent four years working closely with firstly Miles Carden and latterly Melissa Thorpe, together with the team at Virgin Orbit and our UK government to reach this hugely exciting point for the Duchy.

“Initially there was some scepticism about the operation of Cosmic Girl and the rocket but successful launch from the Virgin base in Mohave proved the system and I am delighted that my colleagues at Cornwall Council had the courage to support this concept.

“There has, understandably, been concerns about the impact of space launch from the climate change fraternity but this new style horizontal launch system is the most environmentally gentle methos of putting satellites into space. “Satellites which are essential to help monitor our planet, determine weather changes and protect deforestation of the Amazon to name but a few. 

“Added to that the team are continuing to work on further reducing the impact of launch on the environment.

“The success of Cornwall as the leading Spaceport in the UK, linked to the already well respected Goonhilly Earth station, has the opportunity to bring a real future in space exploration and well paid jobs for our young people and once again show that Cornwall is at the fore-front on new technology.”