Our strength here at Microcomms lies in our ability to remove the need for multi-vendor complexity and to provide digital transformation services for our clients. We’ve been doing so for our clients for decades. It was announced that Spaceport Cornwall would provide launch services for Virgin Orbit this year. Subsequently, we were quickly brought in as experts in our subject to help remove any unnecessary complexity from the project.
Virgin Orbit seeks to provide accessible and time-flexible launch services for small satellites. It’s a rapidly growing industry that requires a launch service that is both affordable and agile. This is not something that has been available until now. With its LauncherOne system – a rocket that combines proven technology with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques – Virgin Orbit, in its own words, is set to “propel human curiosity to new heights”, and we are delighted to see it employing Spaceport Cornwall as a base for launch. We are also delighted to have been brought in to help.
We were tasked with the provision of a number of key components. This included 10Gb internet speed to link all services locally, as well as some located in the States. We were also commissioned to provide firewall and security, LAN infrastructure and WiFi design and deployment. Virgin Orbit in Long Beach, California will serve Mission Control for launches at Spaceport Cornwall. While our systems provide the ability to link multiple parties and information streams to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Of course, such a high-profile project comes with its own unique pressures and challenges. Firstly, it’s amazing to be involved on such a prestigious project. However, it is also somewhat daunting that the infrastructure we were providing would be crucial to the launch of satellites. Oh, and subject to a global audience! There are always surprises with technology. Therefore it was essential that the project was approached with our usual attention to detail and with a full understanding of the critical path and risks associated with this kind of job. Fortunately, our people worked tirelessly to ensure that we planned and executed the project effectively. It was also a relief to be dealing with local suppliers. Most of our projects over the course of 2022 have been in the USA or Africa. At times, these have seemed far more complicated and protracted than they needed to be.
The main cause for concern within this project for Spaceport, was to get the internet connections installed in time. Openreach have been great. They provided a really fast turnaround and made the project a great example of what you can achieve with solid planning and close collaboration between the parties involved.
As a case study of the services we provide, there are a many elements within this project that stand out. Timescales are one, in fact we were required to ensure an unusually fast implementation on some of the solutions. Given that it was the first 10Gb connection we have provided, that was a significant pressure. Considering all of the investment Cornwall has received, it’s a great advert for the levels of infrastructure the UK has now. But the biggest stand-out aspect is that commercial space launches will be worth £3.8 billion to the UK economy over the next decade. Plus it’s great to see Virgin Orbit placed in Cornwall and using the Spaceport to deliver what can only be considered the future of technology.
In comparison to other projects that we’ve worked on, at least here in Cornwall, it’s certainly a prestigious one. It would be up there with those like the Eden Project and Cornwall’s Innovation Centres. But then, Spaceport and Virgin Orbit are part of a very unique market. This makes it difficult to compare it with anything else we’ve done. It will certainly be great to see where it takes us. We’re immensely proud to have helped develop the infrastructure that is going to put Cornwall on the map as the world embarks on a new era of space capabilities.
If you have a project that requires reliable infrastructure and are on the hunt for a team that can implement your needs for you in a timely, efficient and reliable manner, why not get in touch?
