By Peter Tremayne

The Civil Aviation Authority has promised more details of the blast exclusion zone around Newquay spaceport by 16^th January.

It is possible that Richard Branson’s rocket might have already launched by then, but both the CAA and the Health and Safety Executive are now facing a volley of Freedom of Information questions.

Those questions stem from a claim, this morning (Wednesday) that both agencies have approved a safe distance of only 1,275 feet.

The FOI questions are:

Cornwall Council has said there is a 1,275-ft blast exclusion zone around the Newquay spaceport on the day of any rocket launch.  The size of the exclusion zone is very much a matter of public interest and some local residents have been advised to vacate their homes on the day of any launch. 

You will know that spaceports typically require exclusion zones of 2-4 miles.  The LauncherOne rocket proposed by Virgin Orbit is a 57,000lbs missile fuelled by a highly volatile mix of kerosene and liquid oxygen.  The horizontal launch requires LauncherOne to be carried at a relatively low altitude over residential areas.

The council says the distance of 1,275-ft has been approved by both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Health and Safety Executive.

1. Is it true that the CAA and H&SE have approved a blast exclusion zone at Newquay spaceport of only 1,275-feet?
2. Is that distance measured from the LauncherOne rocket, on the runway, or from the perimeter fence?
3. Is it possible to contain a distance of 1,275-ft within the perimeter fence?
4. Is it possible to maintain a distance of 1,275-ft before LauncherOne clears the Cornish coast?
5. When did either organisation decide that 1,275-ft was a safe distance?
6. Why has neither organisation publicised this decision?
7. Please explain the scientific basis for deciding that a 1,275-ft exclusion zone is adequate and describe the modelling process that led to this conclusion.

8.  If either the CAA or H&SE has suggested mitigation measures to reduce, to as low as reasonably practicable, the risks inherent in launching a rocket from Newquay spaceport please list those mitigation measures.

Both agencies have confirmed receipt of the questions and promised answers within the FOI statutory framework – which is 16^th January.  Meanwhile Richard Branson is today marking the second month anniversary of his jumbo jet arriving at Newquay.  The aircraft remains on the tarmac, exposed to winter weather, and although Mr Branson is still promising to launch on 31^st December no-one seriously expects that to happen.

The tycoon’s share price, in relation to Virgin Orbit, continues to fall on the New York stock exchange.  Virgin Orbit's value on Wall Street is currently losing more than $20 million a day as investors worry that its business plan, in relation to European residential areas, might be seriously flawed.

petertremayne@cornwallreports.co.uk