Reusable spaceplane could soon be taking flight from Spaceport Cornwall

A REUSABLE spaceplane could soon be taking flight from Spaceport Cornwall after a landmark agreement was signed.

Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the establishment of Dawn Aerospace Suborbital Horizontal UK (DASH UK) launch programme at the facility, which will create a potential new UK capability for rapid, reusable access to suborbital space, microgravity research, high-altitude testing and advanced aerospace missions.

Dawn Aerospace’s Aurora spaceplane, a reusable, rocket-powered vehicle designed to reach altitudes of up to 100 km and speeds exceeding Mach 3.7, could operate from Spaceport Cornwall under the partnership to support commercial, defence, scientific, atmospheric research and technology demonstration missions.

Aurora takes off and lands on a conventional runway unlike traditional launch systems, and is designed for rapid turnaround, in as little as four hours. This “space twice in a day” model could enable multiple missions within a single day, carrying payloads of up to 15 kg and providing access to more than two minutes of microgravity, high-speed flight testing and near-space conditions.

The agreement is part of a broader programme to develop Spaceport Cornwall as a year-round location for future air and space activity, from horizontal launch and suborbital flight to technology testing, research, payload return and other emerging aerospace capabilities. It builds on Spaceport Cornwall’s role as the UK’s first licensed spaceport and its unique position at Cornwall Airport Newquay, where commercial aviation, spaceflight and military operations can be supported from one location.

The collaboration will assess the operational, regulatory and commercial requirements for developing DASH UK as a routine service from Newquay. It will draw on Spaceport Cornwall’s combination of licensed spaceport infrastructure and one of the UK’s longest runways, as well as Cornwall’s growing network of aerospace, space and technology organisations.

The partnership also reflects the direction set by the UK Space Strategy, which identifies access to space as a priority capability and places greater emphasis on commercial growth, resilient national capability and collaboration with international partners. Spaceport Cornwall aims to support the UK’s ambition to build a stronger and more competitive space sector by creating an environment in which reusable spaceplanes and other future flight technologies can be tested, demonstrated and operated.

Ross Hulbert, head of engagement at Spaceport Cornwall, said: "This MoU represents an exciting opportunity to bring a genuinely transformational aerospace capability to the UK. The Aurora spaceplane offers a more responsive and reusable approach to accessing the upper atmosphere and near-space environment, opening new possibilities for research organisations, technology developers, defence users and commercial customers. Together with Dawn Aerospace, we aim to establish Cornwall as the UK's gateway for routine suborbital flight."

Stefan Powell, CEO at Dawn Aerospace, said: "Our vision is to make space access as routine as aviation. Partnering with Spaceport Cornwall through this MoU is an important step towards bringing that capability to the UK, enabling customers to fly more frequently, iterate faster and accelerate innovation."

The memorandum of understanding provides a framework for both organisations to work together on customer engagement, regulatory pathways and future operational planning. The work will help define the route towards a sustainable DASH UK service and support the long-term growth of the UK’s space and aerospace sectors.