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UK Space Agency opens £2 million development fund for
horizontal spaceflight
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Existing airports could develop new infrastructure to
allow aircraft or spaceplanes to take off and deploy satellites
in space
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Horizontal spaceport runways also offer an attractive
option for space tourism in the future.
Future spaceports can apply for a share of £2 million to support
plans for small satellite launch from aircraft and sub-orbital
flight from the UK, Science Minister announced today.
Sites such as Newquay in Cornwall, Campbeltown and Glasgow
Prestwick in Scotland, and Snowdonia in Wales are already
developing their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and
spaceplane ambitions. The £2 million strategic development fund,
opened by the UK Space Agency, will help sites like these
accelerate their plans further.
Science Minister said:
The UK space sector is thriving, and horizontal spaceflight is
an exciting prospect which could provide services to our
world-leading small satellite industry as well as international
customers and space tourists.
This new fund will help develop ambitious proposals to enable
spaceplanes and aircraft capable of deploying satellites to
operate from future UK spaceports, as part of the government’s
modern industrial Strategy.
The potential spaceports can now submit applications to enable
research into the market opportunities offered by new and
emerging horizontal spaceflight technologies. Grant recipients
can then use this research to develop an individual business case
for offering horizontal launch services from the UK in the early
2020s, better positioning themselves to engage with potential
suppliers and investors.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said:
The UK’s spaceflight expertise means we are ready to thrive in
the new space age, encouraging innovation and creating jobs.
This fund provides a chance for UK spaceports to take the
initiative and become global leaders in this field.
As part of its £50 million spaceflight programme, in July 2018
Government announced support for the establishment of a vertical
spaceport in Scotland. This additional funding opportunity will
support the development of horizontal spaceports in the UK,
further growing the market for both small satellite launch and
sub-orbital flights.
Claire Barcham, Director of Commercial Space at the UK Space
Agency, said:
The UK Space Agency is helping prospective spaceports seize the
commercial opportunities offered by the increasing demands for
launch. We are working closely with the industry to ensure the
UK becomes a global leader in providing access to space for
small satellites and sub orbital vehicles.
Individual applicants will be able to apply for up to £500,000 of
funding and can find out more details on the UK Space Agency
website.
The UK Space Agency is driving the growth of the space sector as
part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and continues to be
a leading member of European Space Agency, which is independent
of the EU. The UK is also playing a major role in space
exploration and science, with a British built rover going to Mars
in 2020.
The demanding environment of space means that investments in the
sector generate new knowledge and innovations that extend far
beyond the space industry. For example, satellites provide
services that enable a wide range of economic activities,
supporting industries worth £300 billion to the UK.
Earlier this year, the UK Space Agency revealed that every £1 of
public spending generates up to £4 in value for the recipients in
the space industry, with additional benefits to the UK economy.
