Melissa Thorpe: Head of Spaceport Cornwall, UK

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 Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! (NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/