Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace sign MoU
Cornwall takes another step towards routine spaceflight with Dawn Aerospace partnership – strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading locations for aerospace and space innovation following a new partnership between Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace.
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the creation of DASH UK (Dawn Aerospace Suborbital Horizontal UK Launch Programme) at Spaceport Cornwall, opening the door to a new capability for reusable suborbital spaceflight, microgravity research, high-altitude testing and advanced aerospace missions from Cornwall.
The agreement supports wider ambitions to establish Cornwall as a world-leading hub for future air and space technologies, building on the county’s growing reputation for innovation, research and advanced engineering. It also reinforces the role of Spaceport Cornwall as the UK’s first licensed spaceport and its unique location at Cornwall Airport Newquay.
At the heart of the proposal is Aurora, Dawn Aerospace’s reusable, rocket-powered spaceplane. Designed to take off and land on a conventional runway, Aurora could provide rapid and flexible access to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment, supporting commercial, scientific, defence and technology demonstration missions. The vehicle is capable of reaching altitudes of up to 100km and speeds exceeding Mach 3.7. Unlike traditional launch systems, Aurora is designed for quick turnaround times, potentially enabling multiple missions in a single day. This capability could make Cornwall a key location for organisations requiring regular access to microgravity conditions, atmospheric research opportunities and high-speed flight testining.
The partnership will now explore the operational, commercial and regulatory requirements needed to establish a routine service from Newquay. This work will draw on Cornwall’s growing cluster of aerospace, space and technology businesses, further strengthening the county’s position within the UK’s space economy.
Commenting on the announcement, Ross Hulbert, Head of Engagement at Spaceport Cornwall, described the agreement as “an exciting opportunity to bring a genuinely transformational aerospace capability to the UK”, while Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, said the partnership is an important step towards making access to space as routine as aviation.
For Cornwall, the proposed collaboration represents more than a technological milestone. It highlights the county’s growing role in attracting investment, supporting high-value jobs and creating opportunities in emerging industries, helping to place Cornwall at the forefront of the UK’s future air and space sector.