Can Scotland become a world leader in rocket launch? New inquiry launched by Scottish Affairs Select Committee

The Scottish Affairs Committee today launches a short inquiry to assess Scotland's space launch capability.  

Scotland's space sector is an increasingly important part of the UK's broader space industry, and Scotland has already become an international leader in small satellite manufacturing and space data analytics. Scotland is currently positioning itself as a key location for space launch activities. With wide and open areas and its existing space industry, Scotland offers many advantages as a potential orbital launch location.  

This inquiry launch comes after an evidence session in February, which focused on developments towards achieving launch capabilities in Scotland. During this session, the CEO of SaxaVord, a Shetland-based spaceport which is the most advanced in the UK, confirmed that it is planning to launch a rocket this year.  

In this inquiry, MPs will build on this to assess Scotland's launch readiness and the future of its capabilities. It will explore the potential for Scotland to become a European and global competitor in the field. 

The cross-party committee will also examine what support the UK Government could provide to Scotland' space sector to ensure the viability of Scottish spaceports for sustaining long term launch activity. 

This inquiry focuses on launch capabilities and follows up on from the work of the previous committee, before the General Election, into the whole of Scotland's space sector. Due to this, the committee will not open a call for evidence, and will instead use evidence that was submitted to the previous inquiry.  

Commenting on the inquiry, Scottish Affairs Committee Chair, Patricia Ferguson MP, said: 

“In February, SaxaVord confirmed to the committee the exciting news that it planned to launch a rocket from Shetland by the end of the year. In that evidence session, it was clear that Scotland has the potential to be a leader in space launch capabilities and become a ‘one-stop-shop' for satellite services. We want to help it realise this potential. 

“Through this inquiry, our committee will examine the reality of Scotland's launch readiness, consider the future of its launch capabilities and assess the sustainability of the spaceports that are being developed in Scotland. Importantly, we'll also be asking the crucial question of what support the UK Government can give to ensure the future of Scottish launch capabilities and make sure the sector continues to go from strength to strength.” 

Terms of reference:  

1. What are the current key opportunities and challenges for Scotland's space launch sector? 

1. How can Scotland's launch capabilities be developed for the future? 

1. How does Scotland's space launch sector compare with European and global competitors? 

1. What strategies can Scotland's space launch sector use to differentiate itself and stand out from competitors, both in the European market and on a global scale? 

1. How can Scotland's spaceports ensure a sustainable long-term pipeline of launch activity, and what should government's role in this be?  

1. To what extent is the UK Government gearing itself to take full advantage of the potential of Scotland's space launch sector? 

1. To what extent does the UK Government's National Space Strategy align with the priorities and needs of Scotland's launch sector? 

1. What role can the UK and Scottish Government's play as a customer for launch services in Scotland?