Our five main impacts

Carbon emissions
Current impact:
Launches will be high quality but low quantity with 2 launches a year
Target:
Carbon neutral by 2030 with further intention to be net zero
How:
- Short Term: Virgin Orbit commitment to offset launch emissions with purchase of UK Domestic Woodland Carbon Units
- Centre for Space Technologies R&D into biofuels, cleaner integration and launch methods
- Longer Term: Kernow Sat 1 to positively influence Blue Carbon market

Biodiversity
Current impact:
Spaceport activities have been found to have no adverse effects on biodiversity within the existing airport masterplan
Target:
Spaceport Cornwall is committing to a 10% biodiversity gain within the Spaceport development zone
How:
- Site Wide Sustainability Manager (Airport, Enterprise Zone, MoD, Spaceport)
- Satellites to monitor and support nature-based solutions
- Bat Boxes: The project has already installed 8 bat boxes around the site, with plans for more
- Nature Corridor: Support of the Aerohub nature corridor and investment in enhancing its habitats
- Wildflower Meadows: Spaceport Cornwall has been working with the Eden Project’s National Wildflower Collection to establish a series of wildflower meadows across the site
- Kernow Sat 1 to support sea grass restoration and kelp forest installation around coast of Cornwall

Marine environment
Current impact:
The first stage of launcher one will have a controlled fall into the sea and sink within hours
Target:
Set new industry standards for analysing impact on marine environment
How:
- Leading academic research into impact of debris on marine environment
- Centre for Space Technologies R&D into rocket re-usability, retrieval

On-site facilities
Current impact:
On-site activities: ground operations, per launch, will equate to 14 tonnes CO2E, this includes increased power requirements and increased staff transport to site
Target:
Carbon neutral on-site activities
How:
- New facilities will target BREEAM Excellent/Very Good accreditation
- £50,000 budget towards Green Transport
- Site-wide Sustainability Plan established
- Team use of sustainable materials
- Electrification of site vehicles
- Renewable energy (from existing solar farm)

Space debris
Current impact:
Satellites launched from Cornwall will enter low earth orbit where current debris is an increasing issue
Target:
World’s most ethical and responsible gateway to space
How:
- Ensure all satellites and spacecraft are licensed by the CAA
- Progress ethical framework
- Centre for Space Technologies R&D in space system design
and de-orbiting technologies