Readers have reacted to the news that the Newquay airport facility is competing with Scotland site for European Space Agency programme testing next-generation aerospace technology
Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Airport has been shortlisted by the European Space Agency for its INVICTUS hypersonic flight test programme. CornwallLive readers are still mainly unconvinced about the project’s benefits.
If successful, the bid would place Cornwall and the UK at the forefront of next-generation aerospace technology. Scotland’s Machrihanish site is also on the shortlist.
INVICTUS aims to deliver Europe’s first hypersonic flight test platform, bridging the gap between lab research and full-scale flight demonstrations. The programme supports advances in reusable launch systems, high-speed flight, and next-generation aerospace for civil, commercial, and defence applications across Europe.
Working with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Spaceport Cornwall highlighted its capabilities as a licensed spaceport, commercial airport, civil aerodrome, and active military site next to RAF St Mawgan.
A spokesperson declared: “The site combines one of the UK’s longest runways, flexible airspace for hypersonic flight, horizontal launch infrastructure, access to Atlantic corridors, and civilian and military aviation facilities.”
Labour MP Noah Law added: “INVICTUS would be an immensely welcome long-term partner, the kind of opportunity a fine aerospace asset like Spaceport Cornwall deserves.”
Commenter Stormageddon is unconvinced: “Or then again it could be like every other project that Cornwall council sticks their fingers into. How much shared prosperity or good growth money are they throwing at this that could be spent spread out across the whole of the duchy and see real growth in real businesses?”
Falmouth62 jokes: “Cornwall has been crying out for a spaceport…”
Jamsdad replies: “Yes it HAS ( or at least the forward viewing people in Cornwall ) given the number of hi tech jobs it will provide for our young people. It IS a project for the future.”
Kagannie states: “If it actually brings proper local jobs, then fair enough. At least there won’t be 747s roaring overhead this time. Looks like it would launch from the ground instead, the way they do it up in Shetland. The only difference is Shetland has the luxury of wide open space, not rows of homes right next door.”
KernowKarl agrees: “Machrihanish (near the Mull of Kintyre) may fare better. Its runway is about the same length as Newquay’s and it is away from any centres of population. Its huge downside is its very poor road communications. Anyway, good luck to Spaceport Cornwall.”
Andrew Moorcroft states; “At the expense of council tax payers this is a hard no. Branson should have been a lesson. Cornwall necessarys to be wary becaapply this does not view good for the county.”
Kevin Burrows wonders; “How many drivers will have to give up their cars to build this net zero for CC?”
Steven Peters adds: “Doesn’t going to space necessary loads of lithium batteries, or does net zero not matter in this case?”
Colin Tresidder retorts: “Hydrogen fuel is the best option for flight, no necessary for lithium batteries and still net zero.”
Is this project a chance to put Cornwall on the aerospace map, or should local concerns take priority? Let us know in our comments section.
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