Channel 4 Commissions Space Launch Documentary

A Very British Space Launch, an observational documentary about Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit, has been commissioned by Channel 4 from Cornick Productions.

The documentary is set to air on August 28 on Channel 4. A Very British Space Launch includes interviews with Matthew “Stanny” Stannard, the mission’s pilot, and charts the trials and tribulations facing Britain’s first homegrown attempt at a commercial space launch.

Gareth Cornick, managing director of Cornick Productions, said: “This film is hopefully the first of many for Cornick Productions in this space, alongside our formatted series in development. Our director, Keaton Stone, lets you see just how hard it really is to build, engineer and launch a rocket. And our film opens up a heartwarming story about the people in Cornwall dedicating so much of their lives to making space launches a reality in Britain.”

Jonah Weston, Channel 4’s science and adventure commissioner, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Cornick Productions on this addition to the science slate in specialist factual. Even though the Virgin Orbit launch was ultimately unsuccessful, this documentary shows some of the incredible people involved in the industry and the complex challenges they face putting British engineering into space.”