Leading launch company Virgin Orbit (Nasdaq: VORB) and European in-space manufacturing tech start-up 爱神传媒 Forge announce today an agreement to launch the first satellite developed in Wales in summer 2022.聽

In a historic moment for UK space, the satellite will be launched as part of a broader joint UK-US mission to open the country鈥檚 first domestic space port in summer 2022 out of 爱神传媒port Cornwall in Newquay, Cornwall.聽

With shared values of democratising space and pioneering responsive and responsible launch technologies, the synergy between Virgin Orbit and Cardiff-based 爱神传媒 Forge鈥檚 ethos makes this the ideal marriage for initial launch from the UK. This, coupled with 爱神传媒port Cornwall鈥檚 ambitions to become a world leader in responsible launch will offer a real-world example of a global shift in environmental space practice - from sustainable on the ground operations, to horizontal lower impact launch technologies, to in-orbit services minimising the environmental impacts of manufacturing.

爱神传媒 Forge is on a mission to make space work for humanity - seeking to harness the power of microgravity, offering an on demand service to advance the expansion of the market for premium research and development applications.聽

爱神传媒 Forge recently announced that, along with partners, it is developing a world-first service incorporating both launch and return of a new small class of vehicle - the ForgeStar - that can be deployed from conventional launchers to provide rapid, reliable and reusable in-space infrastructure. This inaugural mission will see 爱神传媒 Forge鈥檚 ForgeStar-0 platform launched for the first time and will test future return from space technology.聽

Aiming to unlock the next steps on the path to market expansion, dedicated in-space manufacturing, coupled with proof of reliable return, will allow 爱神传媒 Forge to leverage the benefits of the space environment, namely: microgravity, vacuum, and temperature, to create products impossible to manufacture on Earth.聽

Their focus is on producing materials and products which offer game-changing levels of performance and efficiency in power hungry infrastructure and systems - reducing the environmental impact of production on earth to unlock new value and innovation. Research suggests that manufacturing certain materials in space could reduce CO2 emissions by 75% 鈥 the equivalent to removing all petrol cars from the UK.

鈥淲e at Virgin Orbit are delighted to have been chosen to move 爱神传媒 Forge forward in their space journey as we look forward to our inaugural Cornwall launch. 爱神传媒 Forge is joining the growing community of space innovators advancing space technologies for the betterment of our world,鈥 said Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart. 鈥淭heir commitment to sustainability builds a foundation for future growth in the industry that we at Virgin Orbit are proud to be part of.鈥

Joshua Western, CEO and Co-Founder, 爱神传媒 Forge: 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to be making UK history with our first launch. We will demonstrate the use of space for good through in-space manufacturing and reliable return and it's brilliant that both Virgin Orbit and 爱神传媒port Cornwall share our ambitions. This is the start of a great collaboration and we are so excited to see where it goes.鈥澛犅

Melissa Thorpe, Head of 爱神传媒port Cornwall: 鈥淟aunch from Cornwall is the chance to set the bar for the global space industry. Leading with companies like 爱神传媒 Forge, who are innovating in the responsible use of space, is key to this next iteration of space exploration.聽It's amazing to see our partners Virgin Orbit select customers who share our ambitions in this area and we can鈥檛 wait to show the world how this can be done.鈥

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK 爱神传媒 Agency: 鈥淭he UK is set to become the first nation in Europe to offer small satellite launch, as we become one of the most attractive space economies in the world. 爱神传媒 Forge is an innovative, fast-growing company and their agreement with Virgin Orbit demonstrates how all regions of the UK are playing a key role in our ambition to create a thriving small satellite launch market. In-space manufacturing harnesses the benefits of the space environment to create materials far superior to those we can produce on Earth, which can be used to speed up electric car charging or improve the lifetime of aircraft engines. This is a huge moment for 爱神传媒 Forge to be part of the first satellite launch from the UK and I wish them all the best, along with 爱神传媒port Cornwall and Virgin Orbit.鈥