UK's first spaceport to be launched on north coast of Scotland

The first vertical spaceport in the UK is set to be built on a site in Sutherland on the north coast of Scotland.

The UK Space Agency said that Scotland is the best place in the UK to reach in-demand satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets.

In addition, the UK Space Agency is also making available a new £2m fund to boost horizontal spaceport development across Britain, Business Secretary Greg Clark will announce later today.

Initial funding of £2.5m will go to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop the vertical launch site in Sutherland which will use a combination of rocket technologies to pave the way for ‘a world-leading spaceflight market.’

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “As a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, we want Britain to be the first place in mainland Europe to launch satellites as part of our Industrial Strategy.

“The UK’s thriving space industry, research community and aerospace supply chain put the UK in a leading position to develop both vertical and horizontal launch sites. This will build on our global reputation for manufacturing small satellites and help the whole country capitalise on the huge potential of the commercial space age.”

It is also believed that horizontal launch sites would attract companies from all over the world to invest in Britain. Sites such as Newquay, Glasgow Prestwick and Snowdonia will be boosted by a new £2m fund to grow their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and spaceplane aims.

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, added: “The space sector is an important player in the UK’s economy and our recent Space Industry Act has unlocked the potential for hundreds of new jobs and billions of revenue for British business across the country.

“Today’s announcement is exciting for places like Newquay in Cornwall too, paving the way for further potential space ports in the future.”

The £50m UK Spaceflight Programme is also considering leading proposals for horizontal spaceplane operations from across Britain, submitted as part of its call on low cost access to space.

David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland, commented: “The UK Government is driving the commercial space age and Scotland is leading the way. We are investing £2.5m in a vertical launch site in Sutherland which will create hundreds of new jobs. And we will invest a further £2m in horizontal launch sites - Prestwick is in the running for that and I wish them well.

“Scotland is uniquely positioned to pilot the UK’s commercial space sector and the UK Government recognises this pot.”

Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, stated: “This spaceport grant will help to kick-start an exciting new era for the UK space industry, and this is only the beginning of our LaunchUK campaign.

“We are committed to supporting a commercial market for access to space in the UK, and we will continue to engage with any company who seeks to operate here.”

Small-satellite launch and sub-orbital flight from the UK will support organisations across the country to remain at the forefront of commercial space services. It will drive new highly skilled jobs and boost local economies – not only in the communities around spaceport sites, but in the UK’s space sector as a whole.

Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), concluded: “The decision to support the UK’s first spaceport in Sutherland is tremendous news for our region and for Scotland as a whole. The international space sector is growing and we want to ensure the region is ready to reap the economic benefits that will be generated from this fantastic opportunity.”

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