ESA says its Invictus programme is designed to accelerate “Europe’s progress toward aircraft-like access to space” through de-risking innovations including advanced propulsion by testing them in “real-world conditions”.
Mr Halbert said Spaceport Cornwall had the necessary capacity with a 2,744-meter-long runway, adding the “operational environment is here naturally” describing it as “far superior”.
He said: “If they chose another site they would have to invest tens of millions of pounds getting it to the point we are already at in Cornwall…
“It’s a globally unique environment.”
The Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay, Noah Law said: “Invictus would be an immensely welcome, long-term partner… the kind that such a fine aerospace asset as Spaceport Cornwall… deserves.”