The UK Civil Aviation Authority has given the go-ahead for a space flight from Cornwall in the New Year.
Virgin Orbit will begin final preparations for the first launch of satellites from the UK, but no final date has been set.
The licensing process has led to the delay of the much anticipated launch. The CAA said on Wednesday that Virgin Orbit had taken all reasonable steps to ensure the launch was as safe as possible.
The range control licence given to Virgin Orbit allows it to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and keep an eye on the mission.
Since October, the Cosmic Girl has been waiting at Spaceport Cornwall for the go-ahead from the regulators to carry out her mission.
When it takes off, the plane will fly from the spaceport, which is based at Cornwall Airport Newquay, and soar to 35,000 feet over the Atlantic, releasing the rocket that will send the satellites into space.
The time it takes for international space regulators to issue licences is 15 months, according to theCAA.
With public safety at the heart of our decision-making, we have worked with Virgin Orbit to assess their applications and issue licences within our expected timelines.
It is one step closer to the first satellite launch take-off in the UK after receiving range and launch licences. We are on our way to the first launch from Cornwall.
Cornwall's growing space industry is hoped to be boosted by the Start Me Up mission.
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In the middle of the night, the launch is likely to be live-streamed.
The head of Spaceport Cornwall said that they were excited for the licences to be in place for the launch. My team is excited about the upcoming launch and can't wait to share it with everyone.
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