Australia's Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to become a spaceport for Virgin Orbit

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 21.09.2022, 21:32
Australia's Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to become a spaceport for Virgin Orbit

Virgin Orbit has found a place for a new spaceport. No, it will not be rebuilt. For the needs of the company will be converted Australian airport Toowoomba Wellcamp.

Here's What We Know

The airport will be the center of space life throughout Australia, although geographically it is located in the northeast of the country. Virgin Orbit will be working with Australia's Wagner Corporation on a plan to modernize Toowoomba Wellcamp. A corresponding agreement between them has already been signed.

On the territory of the airport specific infrastructure will be created to support the launches. Also the companies will discuss organization of regular launches of launch vehicles and satellites. The first launch should take place before 2024. If successful, Virgin Orbit and Wagner want to offer access to space for businesses beyond the government and military sectors.

Flashback

Virgin Orbit uses a Boeing 747 aircraft called the Cosmic Girl. A LauncherOne rocket separates from it at an altitude of more than 10 kilometers and puts satellites into orbit. The company has made four successful launches, but all from the United States. There are plans for future launches from Japan and Great Britain.

Source: Virgin Orbit

Image: lsnkrsnyc, nasaspaceflight