William Whitehorn, from Horsham, has today been recognised in King Charles III’s birthday honours list for his services to the aerospace industry.
The 65-year-old has been a pivotal figure in the UK space industry, best known for his role as the founding president of Virgin Galactic, where he led the development of the world’s first commercial space tourism venture.
Appointed in 2004, Mr Whitehorn was instrumental in transforming Sir Richard Branson’s vision into a structured business model, helping to establish the regulatory, technological, and commercial foundations for private spaceflight.
He continued in this role until 2011, later serving as a special advisor to Branson and as a trustee of Virgin Unite, the group’s social entrepreneurship and environmental foundation.
On receiving the OBE, Mr Whitehorn said: “It was a complete shock.
“My first thought was it’s a shame my mum isn’t alive because she would have absolutely loved it.
“She would have been delighted. I thought about my family too.
“I am really pleased because I work in the space industry and this award has happened because of what I have done in the space industry.”
You can see the full list of people from Sussex who were honoured here
The OBE is thought to be the first awarded for contributions to the UK space sector.
“I think it’s one of the most important industries for Britain”, Mr Whitehorn said.
“I think I’m one of the first OBEs in the British space industry.
“Britain has always been very good at space science.
“In Surrey, we’re one of the largest firms in Europe.
“There is not enough awareness of that.”
He said: “It’s really important that we keep them focused on the fact that this is the industry of the future.
“It’s going to save humanity. We can put our data centres and fuel farms in space.
“It’s the fastest growing industry in the world at the moment.
“The satellites do so many things for people that they do not realise.
“They think why should we bother with space when we have all these other problems.
“Space is trying to solve our problems.
“It’s thanks to satellites that we even know about climate change.”
He added that he was “very excited” to take his wife, Alison, to Buckingham Palace to receive the honour.
The trust accelerates the growth of the global space tech ecosystem by investing in early-stage companies developing breakthrough technologies in satellite communications, Earth observation, in-orbit services and space-based data analytics.
Mark Boggett, chief executive of Seraphim Space, said: “Will Whitehorn has been a visionary leader and tireless advocate for the UK space sector.
“Over a career spanning multiple decades, he has helped transform the UK’s space ambitions into a globally recognised industry.
“From his pioneering work at Virgin Galactic to his leadership at Seraphim Space, Will has been instrumental in creating a thriving commercial space ecosystem.
“His passion, strategic insight, and commitment to innovation have not only accelerated investment and the growth of companies like Seraphim Space but also helped position the space industry as a strategic priority for the UK government in a pivotal era as governments across the world look to enhance their space sovereign capabilities.
“This OBE is a richly deserved recognition of his extraordinary contributions.
“On behalf of everyone at Seraphim Space, I extend our warmest congratulations.”
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