November 17, 2022

Spaceport Cornwall Receives First-Ever UK Spaceport Licence (Source: UK CAA)
The UK’s first orbital space launch moved one step closer to take-off as Spaceport Cornwall received the UK’s first ever spaceport licence. The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the licence, following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper, meaning he is in agreement with the licensing decisions made by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Spaceport Cornwall, based at Cornwall Airport Newquay, has demonstrated to the regulator it has met the appropriate safety, security, environment and other aspects to operate a UK spaceport. The approval also means Spaceport Cornwall has the infrastructure, equipment and services for horizontal space launches.

This latest licence adds to nearly 150 satellite licences already approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority since becoming the UK’s space regulator in July 2021. The growing space industry will boost innovation and is estimated to be worth £16.5 billion and support 47,000 jobs, with 2,500 apprentices opening the sector up to even more people. (11/16)

Astro Fest is Go for Launch at Orlando Science Center (Source: Click Orando)
The Orlando Science Center is set to captivate young astronomy lovers with a weekend of space-themed events. Astro Fest kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, and lasts through Nov. 20. Daily hours will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees will get immersive experiences such as simulation games, live shows and lab experiments. Guests can also see an astrophotography exhibit by Derek Demeter, director of Seminole State College’s Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium. The exhibition, called “Capturing the Cosmos,” portrays Florida’s night sky and our celestial neighbors in the Solar System. (11/16)

SpaceRyde Announces Multiple Launches with ISILaunch (Source: Space News)
SpaceRyde revealed plans to launch four private commercial flights for ISILaunch, a subsidiary of Innovative Solutions In Space B.V. Customers will pay $250,000 to launch 25-kilogram payloads on SpaceRyde’s Ryder rocket and Flying Spider balloon starting in 2024. For the flights, ISILaunch will offer scheduling weeks prior to launch, access to custom orbits and fairing options. (11/16)

Rocket Factory Augsburg Signs Deal to Test Engines at DLR Premises (Source: Space News)
Rocket Factory Augsburg will build and operate its own engine test stand at German Aerospace Center DLR premises. RFA announced the plan at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany. DLR provides the basic infrastructure, while RFA brings its own test stand and supporting infrastructure. (11/16)

Electric Air Taxi Company Archer Plans $118M Georgia Factory (Source: AP)
A California company seeking to build small electric aircraft says it will invest $118 million to construct a plant near Atlanta, eventually hiring up to 1,000 people. Archer Aviation, based in  California, said it would seek to build its aircraft adjoining an airport in Covington, Georgia. Archer is one of many companies trying to build electric air taxis. Archer’s plan involves a battery-powered vertical takeoff and landing craft with six propellers, holding four passengers and a pilot. The propellers would pivot allowing the aircraft to take off and land like a helicopter and fly like a plane. (11/14)

Bright Ascension and Craft Prospect Announce Strategic Partnership (Source: Parabolic Arc)
Bright Ascension and Craft Prospect are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership, combining Bright Ascension’s innovative modular and model-based software development technology and Craft Prospect’s expertise in machine learning and automation technology.

With the New Space sector and satellite technology developing at an unprecedented pace, the two companies recognise the importance and increasingly critical role of collaboration to widen industry access to their products and technology and add value to their respective propositions. The Bright Ascension-Craft Prospect partnership brings together deep expertise in revolutionising the autonomy of mission operations offered by Craft Prospect and the unrivalled speed and efficiency of space software development in-built into Bright Ascension’s products. (11/16)