Spaceport to help develop hypersonic defences

Spaceport Cornwall has been selected to be part of a £1bn project

Spaceport Cornwall has been selected by the government to help develop hypersonic defence technology for the UK.

The site based at Cornwall Newquay Airport is one of 90 organisations chosen to be part of the Ministry of Defence's £1bn Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework.

The seven-year programme aims to research and develop hypersonic technology - such as guidance systems, warheads and liquid propellants - as part of the government's Strategic Defence Review.

Spaceport bosses said the site's horizontal launch capabilities and location opposite RAF St Mawgan were beneficial for the scheme.

Ross Hulbert, head of engagement at Spaceport Cornwall, said the site was ready to support the testing, development and deployment of the UK's future defences.

"This is a defining moment for Spaceport Cornwall and demonstrates our commitment to supporting Britain's defence capabilities," he said.

"Our unique position as the UK's first licensed spaceport, combined with our world-class facilities and proximity to both civilian and military aviation infrastructure, makes us ideally suited to contribute to this vital national capability," he said.