- Government on course to legislate for UK spaceflight by the
end of this year
- First ever launch into space from British soil could have
lift off in the early 2020s
- UK spaceflight plans would create high-skilled jobs in an
industry worth £14.8 billion, as we build back better from the
pandemic
A giant leap in British spaceflight history is being made today
(5 March), as the Government publishes its commercial spaceflight
consultation response, paving the way for space launches from UK
soil.
Over the past few months, the Government has been inviting
industry, stakeholders and the public to have their say on the
rules that will govern our spaceflight programme – and the
consultation has captured the imagination of people across the
UK, including schoolchildren.
The resulting legislation will help to propel the development of
commercial spaceflight technologies, from traditional rockets
launched vertically into space, to high altitude balloons and
spaceplanes, with launches potentially taking place within the
next few years.
Spaceports could also be built in South West England, Scotland
and Wales, inspiring and exciting a new generation of scientists
and engineers, creating high-skilled jobs and cementing the
government’s aim for the UK to be the location of the first
launches of this type in Europe.
Transport Secretary said:
“The sky is no longer the limit when it comes to the UK’s
ambitions in this sector and today we’re making a giant leap
for growth and prosperity for the whole of Great Britain.
“I’m committed to growing the UK’s space industry, and with the
most modern piece of space legislation in the world, we are
cementing our leading role in this sector, unlocking a new era
in commercial spaceflight for all four corners of our nation.”
The regulations to implement the Space Industry Act will drive
research and innovation, feeding into our emerging National Space
Strategy as we level-up the UK and promote growth in this
thriving sector.
They strike a balance between creating the conditions that will
allow the space sector to flourish in the UK, while ensuring that
it is also safe.
Science Minister said:
“The UK’s space sector is thriving and we have bold ambitions
to be the first country in Europe to launch small satellites,
while building space capabilities in every corner of the UK.
“Working with our space industry, regulators and across
government, we will develop a modern, safe and flexible
regulatory framework that will support a new era of sustainable
commercial spaceflight across the UK.”
Already a global leader in commercial small satellite research
and development, Government and industry have set a target to
grow the UK’s share of the global space market to 10 per cent by
2030.
The Government has already awarded grants totalling nearly £40
million to establish commercial vertical and horizontal small
satellite launches from UK spaceports.
Last month, the Department for Transport also published guidance
on the environmental objectives around spaceflight. Access to
space and the use of space-based tech will bring many benefits to
the environment, allowing us to observe weather patterns, monitor
climate change and harmful activities, such as illegal
deforestation, and to manage natural resources.
