Space Port Oita

Oita Prefecture has teamed up with Virgin Orbit, the California-based small satellite launch company, to use Oita Airport as Asia’s first horizontal launch site. Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rockets will provide a dedicated launch service for commercial and government-built satellites. Modified 747 Jumbo Jets will make full use of Oita Airports 3,000 metre runway to carry the LauncherOne rockets, carrying payloads of up to 500kg, slung under the fuselage to high altitude for air-launch into space. The inaugural launch is expected during 2022 and will bringing with it a new and exciting addition to Oita’s many attractions.