MWJV helps to deliver the UK’s first space launch facility
Over the past couple of years, we have had the fantastic opportunity to support the construction of Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay, which on the 9th of January 2023 launched its first space mission.
The construction of Spaceport Cornwall first began in January 2021 after a lengthy design phase. As project management and construction consultants for the project, our role also included quantity surveying, health & safety management and the appointment of an NEC Supervisor. We made sure everything on-site was running safely, to budget and to schedule.
The main bulk of the project included the construction of two new buildings and supporting infrastructure. The first of the buildings is the Space Systems Integration Facility (SSIF) which was completed in September 2022 and is now occupied by one of Spaceport Cornwall’s customers, Virgin Orbit. The SSIF is where the rockets are assembled and includes a large cleanroom, crane, and airlock for satellite integration activities, as well as welfare facilities, meeting rooms, and a large final assembly area.
The second building, the Space Systems Operations Facility (SSOF), is currently in the final stages of being fitted out and will be a multi-purpose building where on-site mission control will be based. The construction of the SSOF, and the finalisation of our involvement in the project, is expected to complete in March 2023.
Additionally, the project also involved the installation of specialist equipment, including a shipping container-sized frequency converter, groundworks for access and car parking, and a rooftop solar array to help meet the building’s BREEAM requirements.
The project was carried out by two main contractors. Kier has led the general construction, and specialist firm Bassaire has headed up the cleanroom elements.
Working with two principal contractors has been an interesting challenge and resulted in a complex supply chain comprising a multitude of specialist contractors required for the SSIF fit-out and supporting infrastructure - something we’re happy to report has run smoothly from start to finish.
“MWJV provided an excellent service in managing the delivery of these complex buildings.”
Being involved in Spaceport Cornwall has been a fantastic opportunity and has placed us amongst the cutting edge of science and technology in the UK. It's great to see such an innovative and nationally significant project come to life here in Cornwall, and we're so excited to be a part of it.
We're now looking forward to finalising the project and celebrating its many future successful launches.
If you want to know more about Spaceport Cornwall please visit its website at spaceportcornwall.com