A model of the plane which could be launching satellites into space from Cornwall has gone on display, writes Richard Whitehouse, local democracy reporter.
The model of Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl – a modified Boeing 747-400 – has been placed in the reception area of County Hall in Truro and will remain there for the next two weeks.
It was first created in the USA for Virgin Orbit to use there but was shipped over to the UK for use on Spaceport Cornwall’s stand at the Farnborough Airshow last week.
Spaceport Cornwall has signed an agreement with Virgin Orbit to be the UK exclusive launch site for the company to launch satellites into space.
Virgin Orbit is set to test its latest launch flights in the US next month and is hoped to be operating from Newquay by 2021.
Cornwall Council, which is a partner in the scheme with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said the deal could result in 450 new jobs by 2021 and an extra £25m into the Cornish economy.
The display is free and is open every weekday from 7am to 7pm until August 8.