A Setback for Richard Branson’s rocket company raises questions about the Future of UK space exploration
In a stunning turn of events, Virgin Orbit, the rocket company founded by Sir Richard Branson, has announced its closure just months after a major mission failure. The company had been struggling financially, leading to a series of desperate measures, including the sale of assets and a pause in operations. This development comes as a blow to the UK’s ambitions to become a global player in the space industry.
Virgin Orbit’s foray into space exploration was marked by a high-profile satellite mission in the UK earlier this year. Dubbed “Start Me Up” after the iconic Rolling Stones song, the launch was expected to catapult the country into the forefront of satellite manufacturing, rocket building, and the creation of new spaceports. However, the mission fell short of its target orbit due to an anomaly that prematurely ended the first burn, effectively dashing Sir Richard’s space dreams.
Following the mission failure, Virgin Orbit’s financial situation worsened, forcing the company to take drastic measures to stay afloat. All operations were paused, and the majority of employees were laid off. The dire circumstances led Virgin Orbit to file for bankruptcy protection in the United States.
The demise of Virgin Orbit has far-reaching implications for the UK’s space industry, particularly for Spaceport Cornwall, the country’s first licensed spaceport. Virgin Orbit was a key customer for the project, and its withdrawal leaves the future of the spaceport uncertain. While the Cornwall team has expressed their commitment to working with other launch companies, including Sierra Space, the setback suggests that another launch from Cornwall is unlikely in the near future. The site’s limited capability for horizontal launches poses challenges for attracting new customers.
Despite Virgin Orbit’s failure, the UK’s space ambitions remain intact. The UK Space Agency asserts that the sector is thriving, generating an impressive income of £17.5 billion annually and employing tens of thousands of people. The agency remains focused on supporting various projects aimed at establishing the UK as the leading provider of commercial small satellite launch services in Europe by 2030.
Other spaceport projects in the UK are still in progress, with SaxaVord Spaceport on the Shetland island of Unst taking the lead. Unlike Spaceport Cornwall, SaxaVord is designed for vertical launches, offering a promising alternative. The site is collaborating with several companies, including Rocket Factory Augsburg from Germany, and plans are underway for engine testing in Shetland later this year. Additionally, Scotland is emerging as a hotspot for spaceports, with planned sites in Sutherland in the Highlands and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.
The demise of Virgin Orbit serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in the race to space. It underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the industry. While setbacks are inevitable, the UK’s commitment to space exploration remains unwavering. The closure of Virgin Orbit should be seen as an opportunity for reflection, learning, and further innovation as the country continues to strive for excellence in the global space arena.
Despite this setback, the UK’s space industry is poised to forge ahead, driven by the belief that the benefits of space exploration outweigh the risks. As the race to space continues, failures and successes will shape the industry, but the UK’s determination to carve out its place among the stars remains resolute.