Decision Maker: Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 1, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Question from Graham Smith, St Mabyn   What are the prospects for Newquay spaceport ever launching anything into orbit, including Kernow Sat-1 promised by Boris Johnson in 2021? Please explain why multiple subsequent promises of “imminent” horizontal launches, including a crewed lunar mission this year, have all turned out to be completely untrue.   A response was read to the Committee by the Chairman:   The spaceport is part of the overall Cornwall Airport Newquay, and currently the only operational orbital spaceport in Europe. Cornwall Airport Limited (CAL) runs both the airport and spaceport and would host any potential future launch into space. CAL is in discussion with a range of possible future horizontal launch providers but none are ready to announce or commit to a launch date. Kernow Sat-1 was built, and the original intention was for it to be launched by Virgin Orbit. As that launch was not successful, discussions are ongoing with potential future partners, but there are no definite plans.   There have been no discussions or plans involving a crewed lunar mission, and the Council has previously ruled out space tourism from the site.   The speaker responded with a supplementary question, as follows:   What is the spaceport's marketing budget for the current financial year, including staff costs?   The following response was provided by the Chairman:   Spaceport Cornwall is a part of Cornwall Airport Limited and does not have a separate marketing budget.