Melissa Thorpe: Head of Spaceport Cornwall, UK

Feb 17, 2023

Spaceport Cornwall is a launch site for satellites and spaceplanes in the United Kingdom, located at Cornwall Airport Newquay. The project is a partnership between the Cornwall Council and Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit, with the goal of offering low-cost and flexible access to space for small satellite launch providers. Spaceport Cornwall aims to support the growing demand for space-based services and to establish Cornwall as a hub for space-related innovation and technology.

In this episode, Ben and Melissa discuss the plans for Spaceport Cornwall, the ambition to become the first carbon neutral spaceport and what is a Cornish Chough?!

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:59 Melissa Thorpe

01:19 January 9th launch

02:05 Rocket Pride 🚀

03:26 ‘The Event’ of the launch

05:22 Next launch attempt

06:58 Spaceport vs Airport

08:54 Location of Spaceport Cornwall

09:48 Locals reaction to Spaceport Cornwall

12:47 What is a Cornish Chuff?

14:08 Melissa’s journey to Space

16:30 UK Space Strategy

19:56 Other launch capabilities at Spaceport Cornwall

22:45 Grassroots effects of Spaceport Cornwall

27:01 Typical day as Head of Spaceport

29:50 Long term aspirations for Spaceport Cornwall

32:18 Wrap up & Socials

Follow Melissa Thorpe

Website: https://spaceportcornwall.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melsgoodspace/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spacecornwall/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-thorpe/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melsgoodspace

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