UK: First Welsh satellite set to be launched later in 2022

The first satellite made in Wales is set to be launched into space later this year.

Space Forge's satellite was built in a unit in Rumney, Cardiff, that was previously used to make burger vans, BBC News reports.

It will be a test, with the company aiming to launch a returnable and reusable satellite next year.

It is part of a launch by Virgin Orbit, which will deploy multiple satellites into low Earth orbit - usually within 1,000km (620 miles) of Earth.

Space Forge has partnered with high-precision space situational awareness company, Lumi Space, in an attempt to create the world's first returnable and reusable satellite platform.

This year's satellite, which will be launched from Newquay in Cornwall, will not return to earth, but Space Forge's chief executive, Joshua Western confirmed a return launch had been booked for next year.

Mr Western's introduction into the space industry was less than typical.

He studied politics at university and started Space Forge in 2018, going full-time in 2020 - the same week the first Covid lockdown was announced.