What really happened at Spaceport Cornwall after the 2023 Virgin Orbit launch? Why, from an operational and regulatory standpoint, was the failed mission actually a success? How can spaceport infrastructure and segregated airspace be repurposed for high-volume drone testing, hypersonic flight, and returning spaceplanes? What is the true definition of "assured launch," and why is domestic launch capability crucial for national resilience? How is Cornwall evolving beyond its launch heritage into a multi-sector commercial technology ecosystem?

Join Alice and Jonners as they talk to Ross Hulbert, Space Engagement Lead at Spaceport Cornwall, and discuss the realities of pioneering spaceports, mixed airspace regulation, local economic impact, and subsidising future space access.

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line

Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

Ross Hulbert, Space Engagement Lead, Spaceport Cornwall

Ross Hulbert | LinkedIn

Spaceport Cornwall | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• Spaceport Cornwall evolution & operations
• Virgin Orbit launch legacy & technical learnings
• Mixed airspace & BVLOS drone testing
• Hypersonic testing & spaceplane recovery
• Assured vs sovereign launch capability
• Global launch bottlenecks & reliance on SpaceX
• Space Clusters & Cornish economic growth
• Subsidising space access for UK operators

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