16.07.2018

Sutherland could be a new site for vertically-launched space rockets and satellites as the Government makes £2 million available to fund further horizontal launch spaceport sites across Britain – including Newquay, Glasgow Prestwick and Snowdonia – subject to business case.

The Sutherland spaceport, which could see lift-off from the early 2020s and create hundreds of new jobs, is one of a number of Government-backed space projects that will be announced at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The commercial space sector is estimated to be worth a potential £3.8 billion to the UK economy over the next decade and will support Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy by creating high-skilled jobs and boosting local economies.

UK Space Agency selected the Sutherland site because Scotland is the best place in the UK to reach highly sought-after satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets.

Initial funding of £2.5 million will go to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop the launch site in Sutherland, which will use innovative rocket technology to ensure Britain is a leading force in the global spaceflight market.

Horizontal launch sites have potential to play a key role in the UK’s future spaceflight market, attracting companies from all over the world to invest in Britain for the launch of their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and spaceplane ambitions.

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 modern 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.”

Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “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.”

Will Whitehorn, Non-Executive Chairman of Clyde Space said: “From designing and building the very first satellite in Scotland, Clyde Space has grown and become a front runner in small-satellite manufacturing.  Having a spaceport located in Scotland will bring about a whole host of commercial advantages and not only to our operations in Glasgow, but to the entire space sector in the whole of the UK.”

Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global, said: “A spaceport in Scotland and the UK is fantastic news! Launch continues to be the most unpredictable part of the overall supply chain, with delays, often for months and sometimes years, being the norm. In Spire, Scotland already sports Europe’s most advanced and prolific satellite manufacturing capability, and with a space port right next door, enabling clockwork like launches, we can finally get our space sector supply chain to be truly integrated!”

Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “This 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.”

Quelle: SBNN

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Sutherland expected to host UK's first spaceport

A site in the Highlands is expected to be confirmed as the site of the UK's first spaceport.

The A'Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland would be used for vertical rocket and satellite launches.

The site between Tongue and Durness is believed to be the best in the UK for vertical launches into orbit.

Sutherland was in competition with other sites, including Prestwick in Ayrshire, Unst in Shetland and Newquay airport in Cornwall.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is expected to be given £2.5m from the UK government to develop the spaceport, which could be up and running by the early 2020s.

Quelle: BBC

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