SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS: 2021 EDITION National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS: 2021 EDITION National Aeronautics and Space Administration SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS: 2021 EDITION National Aeronautics and Space Administration PROGRAMwww.nasa.gov/sfa PLAN Featured On Cover: The SpaceX and NASA Crew 1 after the final dress rehearsal. (Source: SpaceX) 2021 SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAM PLAN NASA’s Vision, Mission, and Strategic Goals 5 Associate Administrator’s Message 6 History of Space Flight Awareness 8 Program Goals, Objectives, and Teams SFA Activities, Visits, and Products 9 SFA Awards 10 2021 Events 11 FY 2020 Metrics 12 SFA Working Group Members 15 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE NASA’S VISION, MISSION, AND STRATEGIC GOALS THE VISION To discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. THE MISSION Lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and bring new knowledge and opportunities back to earth. Support growth of the nation’s economy in space and aeronautics, increase understanding of the universe and our place in it, work with industry to improve America’s aerospace technologies, and advance American leadership. FOUR STRATEGIC THEMES • Discover • Develop • Explore • Enable Steve Jurczyk, Acting Administrator STRATEGIC GOALS 1. Expand human knowledge through new scientific 3. Address national challenges and catalyze economic discoveries. growth. 2. Extend human presence deeper into space and to 4. Optimize capabilities and operations. the moon for sustainable long-term exploration and utilization. HISTORY OF SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS NASA established the Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Motivation and Recognition Program in 1963 during the Mercury and Gemini period to infuse the space program with a renewed and strengthened consciousness of quality and flight safety. As NASA’s human spaceflight programs continued and developed, the NASA centers increased the assistance they provided to the employees’ motivation programs of their contractors and other government agencies. SFA soon became the watchword of the American space program. The SFA Program played an integral and increasingly forceful safety role in the Saturn, Apollo Skylab and Apollo- Soyuz projects. By the time the space shuttle first flew, the program had expanded to include subcontractors providing critical hardware, software and services. As regular Space Shuttle missions grew in complexity and the International Space Station became a reality, the SFA Program evolved into one of the single most successful motivational initiatives within all federal and contractor departments and agencies. The future of spaceflight brings new opportunities and challenges for the SFA Program. To continue to be effective, the program must keep pace with an ever-changing environment of people, systems and processes that design, build, fly and support human spaceflight. For that reason, the SFA Working Group work diligently to ensure an effective and valuable program. SFA continues to focus on excellence in quality and safety – for the lives of the astronauts, for mission success and for the success of America’s space program. 5 ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE Not many of us have ever ex- test, the SLS core stage will ship to Kennedy Space perienced a time filled with so Center for integration with the Orion spacecraft. many unique societal hard- ships and challenges. We con- This spring, following the initial design phase, tinue to adapt to a new routine, NASA is expected to announce whether Blue Or- finding ways to connect with igin, Dynetics and/or SpaceX are moving forward one another and go about our with their proposed human landing systems. By fall, daily lives. Despite the uncertainty, the solidarity of Artemis I, the first integrated, uncrewed flight test the NASA-Industry-Partner team through these hard of SLS and Orion, will be on track to launch on its times led to another exciting, historic year for NASA’s month-long mission thousands of miles beyond the human spaceflight programs. Moon. NASA will also begin joining the core stage components for the SLS rocket to launch Artemis In 2020, access to low-Earth orbit and the Interna- II and is in the process of manufacturing the Ar- tional Space Station (ISS) expanded to more peo- temis III core stage, Interim Cryogenic Propulsion ple, science, and commercial opportunities. For the Stages, and stage adapters that connect the parts first time since 2011, NASA astronauts launched of the rocket. Boeing is on deck to conduct a sec- from American soil to the ISS in a commercially built ond uncrewed flight test for the Commercial Crew and operated American crew spacecraft. Astronauts Program before flying a crewed flight test to meet Behnken and Hurley lifted off in a SpaceX Crew program certification requirements. Dragon atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission, a successful 64-day test Thanks to our committed NASA government and flight that paved the way for NASA to certify the com- contractor workforce, the future of human space- mercial space system. flight remains bright. Thank you to the NASA Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Program for recognizing our The return of crewed launches to U.S. shores arrived workforce for their exemplary human spaceflight during the 20th year of a continuous human presence contributions. The SFA Program plays a vital role aboard humanity’s home in microgravity, enabling in the continued recognition and motivation of our more critical science to prepare for future Artemis civil servant and contractor workforce to focus on missions to the Moon and beyond. A new class of safety and mission success across the array of hu- astronauts graduated with over 12,000 applications man spaceflight programs. submitted for the next class of Artemis-Generation explorers. I am excited about our future and grateful to work with you in support of our nation’s space program. We’re looking forward to accomplishing more explo- I look forward to working with you to achieve our ration firsts. As part of the Artemis Program, we are goal to place the first woman and next man on the working to send the first woman and next man to Moon. the Moon to establish long-term lunar exploration in preparation for human exploration of Mars. We started the New Year with the handover of the Orion Spacecraft to the Exploration Ground Systems team to process for the Artemis I launch. The first Space Launch System (SLS) hot fire of the @NASA_ SLS core stage has been tested. Following the final 2 LONG-TERM EXPLORATION: THE NEXT GIANT LEAP NASA astronaut Kayla Barron 7 SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAM GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND TEAMS NASA established the Space Flight Awareness (SFA) program in 1963. It was established as a formal program during the Mercury and Gemini program, to infuse the space program with a renewed and strengthened consciousness of quality and flight safety. Since its inception, SFA’s mission has been to ensure that all employees involved in human spaceflight are aware of the impact their actions can have on astronaut safety and mission success. During this time, thousands of individuals were recognized for their contributions to the safety and success of NASA’s programs. The key to SFA’s longevity is its two-pronged approach to meeting its goal – awareness and recognition 2021 Space Flight Awareness Space Flight Awareness Program Goals Objectives 1. Sponsor employee recognition and motivation 1. Improve employee awareness on the importance events utilizing our astronaut corps and senior of their role in promoting safety, quality, and management. mission success. 2. Sponsor milestone events. 2. Conduct events that motivate and recognize the workforce and improve employee morale. 3. Promote current and future human spaceflight missions. Recognize significant accomplishments. 3. Function as an internal communications team to disseminate key program safety, quality, 4. Promote awareness of future programs by and mission messages. developing awareness and safety products, and recognize significant program milestones. 4. Increase awareness of the spaceflight program with a focus on safety and mission success. 5. Maintain supplier motivational and recognition programs. Space Flight Awareness Program Teams Products: Produce products that highlight safety and awareness of human spaceflight programs. Awareness: Increase awareness of the SFA Program. Develops key messages related to astronaut and mission success for human spaceflight. Supplier: Promote awareness and provide recognition to crit- ical suppliers who provide outstanding products and services in support of the human spaceflight programs and mission. Artemis Program Patch 8 SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS ACTIVITIES, VISITS, AND PRODUCTS SFA Activities SFA Products SFA activities include employee recognition, SFA uses a variety of products to focus on key motivational visits and the development, display aspects of human spaceflight requirements and and distribution of awareness tools and educational mission activities: materials. • Printed products – safety, quality, reliability, mission, astronauts, significant milestones SFA Visits • Decals – mission and program decals SFA works to arrange executive and astronaut visits • Lapel Pins – vehicle, mission, milestones to help remotely located employees feel that they are • Safety Day activities part of the human spaceflight team, and to give them an opportunity to get to know those who will use the products they design and build. Team Announcements Montage Artwork Ref Expedition Posters and Artemis Astronauts 9 SPACE FLIGHT AWARENESS PROGRAM AWARDS
Recommended publications
  • Privacy Statement Link at the Bottom of Aerojet Rocketdyne Websites
    Privacy Notice Aerojet Rocketdyne – For external use Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 3 Why we collect personal information? ............................................................................. 3 How we collect personal information? ............................................................................. 3 How we use information we collect? ............................................................................... 4 How we share your information? .................................................................................... 4 How we protect your personal information? ..................................................................... 4 How we collect consent? .............................................................................................. 4 How we provide you access? ........................................................................................ 4 How to contact Aerojet Rocketdyne privacy?.................................................................... 5 Collection of personal information .................................................................................. 5 Disclosure of personal information.................................................................................. 5 Sale of personal information .......................................................................................... 6 Children’s online privacy ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • L-8: Enabling Human Spaceflight Exploration Systems & Technology
    Johnson Space Center Engineering Directorate L-8: Enabling Human Spaceflight Exploration Systems & Technology Development Public Release Notice This document has been reviewed for technical accuracy, business/management sensitivity, and export control compliance. It is Montgomery Goforth suitable for public release without restrictions per NF1676 #37965. November 2016 www.nasa.gov 1 NASA’s Journey to Mars Engineering Priorities 1. Enhance ISS: Enhanced missions and systems reliability per ISS customer needs 2. Accelerate Orion: Safe, successful, affordable, and ahead of schedule 3. Enable commercial crew success 4. Human Spaceflight (HSF) exploration systems development • Technology required to enable exploration beyond LEO • System and subsystem development for beyond LEO HSF exploration JSC Engineering’s Internal Goal for Exploration • Priorities are nice, but they are not enough. • We needed a meaningful goal. • We needed a deadline. • Our Goal: Get within 8 years of launching humans to Mars (L-8) by 2025 • Develop and mature the technologies and systems needed • Develop and mature the personnel needed L-8 Characterizing L-8 JSC Engineering: HSF Exploration Systems Development • L-8 Is Not: • A program to go to Mars • Another Technology Road-Mapping effort • L-8 Is: • A way to translate Agency Technology Roadmaps and Architectures/Scenarios into a meaningful path for JSC Engineering to follow. • A way of focusing Engineering’s efforts and L-8 identifying our dependencies • A way to ensure Engineering personnel are ready to step up
    [Show full text]
  • The Esa Exploration Programme – Exomars and Beyond
    Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI (2005) 2408.pdf THE ESA EXPLORATION PROGRAMME – EXOMARS AND BEYOND. G. Kminek1 and the Exploration Team, 1European Space Agency, D/HME, Keplerlaan 1, 2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands, [email protected]. Management and Organization: The countries Technology Development for Exploration: Two participating in the European Exploration Programme categories for exploration technology developments Aurora have recently confirmed and increased their have been identified: contribution. The ESA Council has later approved the Generic Exploration Technology: They have a Agency’s budgets for 2005, including the budget for long-term strategic value, both for robotic and human Aurora. These developments enable major industrial exploration missions. Planetary protection, habitable activities to continue in line with original plans. These systems, risk assessment for human missions to planets, include work on the ExoMars mission and the Mars grey and black water recycling as well as psychological Sample Return mission, in-orbit assembly, rendezvous support for the Concordia Antarctic Station, Facility and docking, habitation and life support systems plus a for Integrated Planetary Exploration Simulations are broad range of technology development work. examples of selected generic exploration technologies. The Aurora Exploration Programme has been inte- Mission Specific Technologies: Specifically devel- grated into the Human Spaceflight and Microgravity oped for the programme’s missions, and will eventually Directorate , which now forms the Human Spaceflight, be implemented after reaching a minimum technology Microgravity, and Exploration Directorate of ESA. readiness level. EVD, sealing and sealing monitoring Early Robotic Missions: Robotic mission have technology, containment technology, specific instru- been identified as necessary prerequisite before send- ment developments, sample handling and distribution ing human to Mars.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Spaceflight in Social Media: Promoting Space Exploration Through Twitter
    Human Spaceflight in Social Media: Promoting Space Exploration Through Twitter Pierre J. Bertrand,1 Savannah L. Niles,2 and Dava J. Newman1,3 turn back now would be to deny our history, our capabilities,’’ said James Michener.1 The aerospace industry has successfully 1 Man-Vehicle Laboratory, Department of Aeronautics and Astro- commercialized Earth applications for space technologies, but nautics; 2Media Lab, Department of Media Arts and Sciences; and 3 human space exploration seems to lack support from both fi- Department of Engineering Systems, Massachusetts Institute of nancial and human public interest perspectives. Space agencies Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. no longer enjoy the political support and public enthusiasm that historically drove the human spaceflight programs. If one uses ABSTRACT constant year dollars, the $16B National Aeronautics and While space-based technologies for Earth applications are flourish- Space Administration (NASA) budget dedicated for human ing, space exploration activities suffer from a lack of public aware- spaceflight in the Apollo era has fallen to $7.9B in 2014, of ness as well as decreasing budgets. However, space exploration which 41% is dedicated to operations covering the Internati- benefits are numerous and include significant science, technological onal Space Station (ISS), the Space Launch System (SLS) and development, socioeconomic benefits, education, and leadership Orion, and commercial crew programs.2 The European Space contributions. Recent robotic exploration missions have
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental, Social & Governance Report
    ESG Environmental, Social & Governance Report Aerojet Rocketdyne 2020 ESG Report Table of Contents About Us Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized supports our business and our efforts to meet Section One - Social Responsibility technology-based engineering and or exceed the expectations of our customers, Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation .......................................................... 7 manufacturing company that develops and deliver best-in-class products and services, Employee Volunteer and Giving .......................................................... 8 produces specialized power and propulsion and uphold our high ethical standards while Sponsorship and Donations ................................................................ 8 systems, as well as armament systems. We conducting business with a regard for the develop and manufacture liquid and solid rocket preservation and protection of human safety, Employees and Community ................................................................. 9 propulsion, air-breathing hypersonic engines, health, and the natural environment. Human Resources and electric power and propulsion for space, Section Two - Our Shared Values of Accountability, defense, civil and commercial applications. Tuition Assistance Program ............................................................... 13 Adaptability, Excellence, Integrity and In addition, we are engaged in the rezoning, Scholarship Program ......................................................................... 14 Teamwork are intended
    [Show full text]
  • Strategy for Human Spaceflight In
    Developing the sustainable foundations for returning Americans to the Moon and enabling a new era of commercial spaceflight in low Earth orbit (LEO) are the linchpins of our national human spaceflight policy. As we work to return Americans to the Moon, we plan to do so in partnership with other nations. We will therefore coordinate our lunar exploration strategy with our ISS partners while maintaining and expanding our partnerships in LEO. As we work to create a new set of commercial human spaceflight capabilities, we will enable U.S. commercial enterprises to develop and operate under principles of long-term sustainability for space activity and recognize that their success cannot depend on Federal funding and programs alone. The National Space Council recognized the need for such a national strategy for human spaceflight in LEO and economic growth in space, and in February of 2018, called on NASA, the Department of State, and the Department of Commerce to work together to develop one. This strategy follows the direction established by the Administration through Space Policy Directives 1, 2, and 3, which created an innovative new framework for American leadership by reinvigorating America’s human exploration of the Moon and Mars; streamlining regulations on the commercial use of space; and establishing the first national policy for space traffic management. Our strategy for the future of human spaceflight in LEO and for economic growth in space will operate within the context of these directives. Through interagency dialogue, and in coordination with the Executive Office of the President, we have further defined our overarching goals for human spaceflight in LEO as follows: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • CCP NASA Purpose
    Commercial Human Spaceflight • In 2010, NASA established a philosophy to engage and partner with commercial industry to develop a crew transportation systems (CTS) that would meet the agency’s low-Earth orbit requirements and foster a new human spaceflight industry • Since that time, the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) in partnership with American aerospace industry has accomplished a great deal to make that philosophy a reality Vision The vision of commercial human spaceflight to low-Earth orbit is a robust, vibrant enterprise with many providers and a wide range of private and public users. A successful human space transportation system will strengthen the International Space Station Program, allow NASA to focus on deep-space exploration, potentially reduce the cost of human access to space and significantly contribute to the national economy. Leading to: CCP NASA Purpose CCP Public Purpose Safe transport of NASA and Support the development of NASA-sponsored astronauts to non-NASA markets for commercial and from station. human transportation services to and from low-Earth orbit. Framework* Given this, the framework should: – Accommodate a diverse set of people (e.g., astronauts, international partner personnel, scientists, spaceflight participants) for a variety of reasons (e.g., science, research, station operations, tourism), including NASA personnel as crew or participants – Support multiple commercial systems – Incorporate requirements and a concept of operations that are as high-level as possible, providing commercial providers with
    [Show full text]
  • RS-25 for NASA's Space Launch System
    AEROJET ROCKETDYNE PROPRIETARY 0 THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS NO EXPORT CONTROLLED – ITAR/USML CATEGORY IV September 2016 Aerojet Rocketdyne Footprint International Offices: Redmond, WA Moscow Tokyo London Belfast UAE Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Sacramento, CA Clearfield, UT ARDÉ, NJ Headquarters Washington, D.C. Denver, CO Gainesville, VA Orange, VA Los Angeles, CA Jonesboro, TN Vernon, CA Camden, AR Socorro, NM Tucson, AZ Huntsville, AL Headquarters Dallas, TX Orlando, FL Operating Locations Stennis, MS Eglin AFB, FL Field Offices West Palm Beach, FL Nearly 5,000 Employees Across 14 States 140 and Growing at NASA Stennis Space Center Aerojet Rocketdyne Proprietary 1 Aerojet Rocketdyne & NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC): A Fifty Year Partnership • NASA-SSC is the nation’s Center of Excellence for large space transportation propulsion systems testing • Tested each of the F-1 rocket engines that powered the first stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle for the Apollo missions • Early 1970s, SSC’s facilities were modified to test the space shuttle's main engines (SSMEs) • All the 405 flown engines supporting 135 shuttle flights tested and proven flight-worthy at SSC • SSC’s state-of-the-art facilities continues to assemble and test components and engines for future Space Launch System (SLS) missions (RS-25 and J-2X) • RS-68/A engines supporting the Delta IV program launching national security satellites and recently the Orion Capsule for NASA’s Exploration Flight Test-1 Aerojet Rocketdyne Proprietary 2 SSC Facilities Occupied by Aerojet Rocketdyne • A1 Test Stand– RS-25 (1st Stage booster for SLS) • Primary Customer – NASA • Aerojet Rocketdyne Test Article Contractor • B Test Stand • B1 - RS-68 (1st Stage booster for Delta-IV) • Primary Customer – Air Force (ULA) • Test Stand is operated under a Space Act Agreement • B2 (RS-25 Space Launch System Stage Testing) • B Complex Test Control Center (BTCC) • Engine Assembly Facility (EAF – Bldg.
    [Show full text]
  • NASA History Fact Sheet
    NASA History Fact Sheet National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Policy and Plans NASA History Office NASA History Fact Sheet A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION by Stephen J. Garber and Roger D. Launius Launching NASA "An Act to provide for research into the problems of flight within and outside the Earth's atmosphere, and for other purposes." With this simple preamble, the Congress and the President of the United States created the national Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on October 1, 1958. NASA's birth was directly related to the pressures of national defense. After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in the Cold War, a broad contest over the ideologies and allegiances of the nonaligned nations. During this period, space exploration emerged as a major area of contest and became known as the space race. During the late 1940s, the Department of Defense pursued research and rocketry and upper atmospheric sciences as a means of assuring American leadership in technology. A major step forward came when President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved a plan to orbit a scientific satellite as part of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) for the period, July 1, 1957 to December 31, 1958, a cooperative effort to gather scientific data about the Earth. The Soviet Union quickly followed suit, announcing plans to orbit its own satellite. The Naval Research Laboratory's Project Vanguard was chosen on 9 September 1955 to support the IGY effort, largely because it did not interfere with high-priority ballistic missile development programs.
    [Show full text]
  • AEHF-6 Launch Marks 500Th Flight of Aerojet Rocketdyne's RL10 Engine
    AEHF-6 Launch Marks 500th Flight of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 Engine March 27, 2020 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., March 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The successful March 26 launch of the U.S. Space Force’s sixth and final Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket marked the 500th flight of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 upper-stage engine. The RL10, which powers the ULA Atlas V Centaur upper stage, is one of several Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion products supporting the mission. Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion can be found on both the rocket and the AEHF-6 satellite. Built by Lockheed Martin, the AEHF satellites provide secure, jam-proof communications, including nuclear command and control, to U.S. and allied forces. “This launch marks an important milestone for Aerojet Rocketdyne and for the country,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CEO and president. “The RL10 has supported a majority of the nation’s most important national security and scientific missions, including all of the AEHF satellites which provide communication links that are critical to our warfighters.” The Atlas V in the 551 configuration is the most powerful vehicle in the Atlas V family, featuring five Aerojet Rocketdyne AJ-60A solid rocket strap-on motors, each generating 348,500 pounds of thrust. Designed specifically to provide extra lifting power to the Atlas V, the AJ-60A is the world’s largest monolithic solid rocket motor ever flown. The AEHF-6 satellite, meanwhile, is outfitted with three different types of Aerojet Rocketdyne thrusters for attitude control, orbital station keeping and maneuvering.
    [Show full text]
  • SLS Case Study
    CASE STUDY Supporting Space Flight History with the Space Launch System (SLS) Technetics Group is a proud sup- Boeing representatives held a sup- plier to NASA, Boeing and Aerojet plier recognition presentation for Rocketdyne, and proved instru- the Technetics team members, mental in working with these orga- citing outstanding performance nizations on the development of in providing hydraulic accumula- NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). tors and reservoirs for the Thrust The SLS is an advanced, heavy-lift Vector Control hydraulic system, BELFAB Edge-Welded launch vehicle that will send astro- located within the Core Stage of Metal Bellows nauts into deep space and open the rocket. Technetics was one up the possibility for missions to of the first suppliers on the pro- Qualiseal Mechanical neighboring planets. The program gram to have provided all Flight 1 Seals is enabling humans to travel fur- requirements and subsystem test ther into space than ever before units. and paving the way for new sci- Aerojet Rocketdyne also rec- entific discoveries and knowledge ognized Technetics and stated that was once out of reach. that Technetics “has gone above Technetics has worked closely and beyond to produce quality with program design teams for hardware and support aggressive critical applications for the Core schedules,” and that “Technetics Stage and Upper Stage on the SLS. efforts and those of Technetics NAFLEX Seals Specifically, a number of preci- employees have not gone unno- sion sealing solutions and fluid ticed.” To express their appre- management components were ciation, Aerojet Rocketdyne needed for Aerojet Rocketdyne’s representatives visited the RS-25 and RL10 engines to ensure Technetics Deland, FL facility to the integrity of the overall system.
    [Show full text]
  • Satellite Launches Set to Return to British Soil After 50 Years Following New Partnership with Virgin Orbit in Cornwall
    Satellite launches set to return to British soil after 50 years following new partnership with Virgin Orbit in Cornwall The first British satellite launch in 50 years could take place from Cornwall within the next three years following a new partnership with Virgin Orbit. Virgin Orbit, a satellite launch company, has selected Spaceport Cornwall as an ideal location to operate and deliver one of the first launches of its LauncherOne system outside of its US home. The last British rocket - Black Arrow - that sent a satellite into space was launched from Australia in 1971. The new partnership deal will make history by pioneering horizontal satellite launches from UK soil. The news has been welcomed by UK Science Minister Sam Gyimah, who said: “The announcement of a strategic partnership between Virgin Orbit and Cornwall Spaceport is great news for the region and the UK’s ambitions for regular, reliable and responsible access to space. This partnership could see Virgin Orbit’s innovative horizontal launch technology helping the UK’s small satellite industry access space from the convenience of a Spaceport in Cornwall. We will work with both partners to support their ambitions, as we take the next steps in our national spaceflight programme as part of the government’s modern Industrial strategy.” Virgin Orbit is seeking to provide launches from a Spaceport at Cornwall Airport Newquay by 2021, using a modified Boeing 747-400 aircraft called “Cosmic Girl”. Cosmic Girl will carry a LauncherOne rocket under its wing to a launch range over the Atlantic and release the rocket at around 35,000 feet for onward flight into space, carrying a satellite into Earth orbit.
    [Show full text]