Preparations to launch rocket underway in Cornwall

Final arrangements are being made in Cornwall ahead of several satellites being blasted into space on Monday night, the first rocket launch from UK soil. If all goes to plan, the launch of the Start Me Up mission will take place at Spaceport Cornwall near Newquay.

Named in tribute to The Rolling Stones' 1981 hit, the mission involves a repurposed Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 aircraft and Virgin Orbit's Launcher One rocket. It was originally hoped the launch could take place before Christmas but owing to technical and regulatory issues it had to be pushed into 2023.