First ever UK space flight set for January 9th

There is a chance that the first space flight from the UK could launch in a few days. The initial window for Virgin Orbit's historic "Start Me Up" mission will open on January 9th, according to the company's announcement. The company has back-up dates in place if the launch is delayed due to technical issues or bad weather.

The first launch license for Spaceport Cornwall was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in December. The United Kingdom Space Agency, Cornwall Council, and the Royal Air Force are involved in the project.

The private space corp said it will maintain a conservative posture with regard to system health, weather, and that Start Me Up is the "first" in several ways. The likelihood of a delay increases if everything falls into place on Monday. The launch vehicle that will be used for this mission is attached to the first stage of the Cosmic Girl aircraft. It was necessary for the company to transport the product from Long Beach, California to the UK.

The mission will make history by ferrying seven satellites from commercial and government customers to space. The UK Defense Science and Technology Laboratory and the US Naval Research Laboratory are working together on a project called CIRCE.