Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit to launch satellites from Wagner’s Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba

Toowoomba has been selected by Virgin Orbit as one of three locations in the world to launch satellites into space with plans to build a spaceport. Find out what’s locked in here.

Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit has selected Toowoomba as its third worldwide location for the next satellite launch site and spaceport, with the official memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today.
Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport was chosen to represent the Southern Hemisphere in the historic move, with the first flight planned in the next 18 months.

The agreement would see a 2024 launch demonstration with a permanent horizontal launch site to follow within three years, as well as thousands of jobs available for residents.

Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said the airport’s selection for the newest national spaceport was ”extremely exciting”, and would propel the region on a global scale.

“Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport and Business Park is on track to becoming one of the most

sustainable carbon neutral destinations internationally with Virgin Orbit to join Boeing and other international companies as part of Wellcamp’s new world class, Aerospace and Defence Precinct and Campus, with stage one due for completion by the end of 2024,” Mr Wagner said.

Virgin Orbit announced Wagner Corporation’s Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport as the location for its next satellite launch site and spaceport. Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Picture: supplied.

“Attracting global companies such as Virgin Orbit is recognition of the strategic advantages that Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport and the Aerospace and Defence Precinct offers, and we are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Satellite launches from the Wellcamp site would see a rocket launched from a 747 aircraft and be used for climate monitoring, telecommunicationsservices, asset tracking and other commercial activities.

It is understood the region was chosen due to its ideal location for launches and its ability to be a catalyst for growth and provide national launch capabilities for the defence and government industries.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the securement by the Wagner Corporation and Virgin Orbit was a major boost for the state’s space industry.

Wellcamp Airport Aerospace Precinct Map

“Plans for a pilot orbital flight of Virgin Orbits Launcher One from Wellcamp Airport within 18 months is exciting news indeed,” she said.

“My government is committed to working with both companies in their bid to certify Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport as a national spaceport for the orbital launch demonstration.

“The State is well advanced in the overall development of a space industry that could potentially contribute up to $6 billion to the state’s economy by 2036 and 6000 jobs.”

Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart said the company was thrilled to bring the first national orbital launch to Australia.

The next step after the MOU for Wagner Corporation and Virgin is to begin discussions with the Australian Space Agency on facility licensing requirements for Toowoomba.