Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
3
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Deferred
However, it is clear that the UK is falling behind its European counterparts in terms of public investment, leaving Scottish spaceports at a competitive disadvantage in a fast-moving global market. Without sustained backing from the Government—particularly in infrastructure—Scotland risks missing a generational opportunity to lead in space launch. To fully …
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However, it is clear that the UK is falling behind its European counterparts in terms of public investment, leaving Scottish spaceports at a competitive disadvantage in a fast-moving global market. Without sustained backing from the Government—particularly in infrastructure—Scotland risks missing a generational opportunity to lead in space launch. To fully realise this potential, the UK Government needs to go further and faster. The Government must move beyond cursory support and commit to long-term coordinated investment that matches the ambition and momentum already demonstrated by the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for sustained commitment to the Scottish launch sector and intends to set out its strategic approach in a new cross-Government space publication scheduled for 2026, which will provide clarity and direction.
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Scotland Office
4
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Deferred
To ensure the long-term success and competitiveness of launch sites in Scotland’s space sector, we urge the UK Government to incorporate space funding within its broader economic growth ambitions. This must go beyond ad hoc funding and reflect a sustained, strategic commitment—providing the clarity, confidence, and stability that the industry …
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To ensure the long-term success and competitiveness of launch sites in Scotland’s space sector, we urge the UK Government to incorporate space funding within its broader economic growth ambitions. This must go beyond ad hoc funding and reflect a sustained, strategic commitment—providing the clarity, confidence, and stability that the industry needs to scale capabilities and attract international customers. A clear signal of long-term government support will not only level the playing field with better-funded European counterparts but also position the UK as a serious contender in the global launch sector. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39) 39
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the need for sustained commitment and will set out its strategic approach to supporting the Scottish launch sector in a new cross-Government space publication scheduled for 2026.
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Scotland Office
6
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Deferred
Scotland has a first mover advantage for achieving Europe’s first orbital launch. However, this early advantage is in danger of being lost, as competitors make rapid progress. If Scotland is to compete, and ultimately succeed, in the race to provide sustainable launch operations, the UK Government must realise that complacency …
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Scotland has a first mover advantage for achieving Europe’s first orbital launch. However, this early advantage is in danger of being lost, as competitors make rapid progress. If Scotland is to compete, and ultimately succeed, in the race to provide sustainable launch operations, the UK Government must realise that complacency is not an option and do everything it can to strengthen its support for and cooperation with the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 49)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the opportunity Scotland's launch sector presents and will set out its strategic approach to supporting the sector in a new cross-Government space publication scheduled for 2026.
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Scotland Office
15
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Deferred
In response to this report, the UK Government should also set out how it will support companies operating in Scotland in succeeding in the European Launcher Challenge. This should include specific measures on how it will commit to the initiative. The UK Government should write to the Committee to provide …
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In response to this report, the UK Government should also set out how it will support companies operating in Scotland in succeeding in the European Launcher Challenge. This should include specific measures on how it will commit to the initiative. The UK Government should write to the Committee to provide an update by Spring 2026. (Recommendation, Paragraph 75) Strengthening the UK Government’s role in space
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the European Launcher Challenge and notes UK company Orbex's pre-selection, with the UK Space Agency working closely with them. However, specific commitments to the initiative are deferred until after the ESA Council of Ministers (CMIN25) in November, after which the government will …
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Scotland Office
16
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Deferred
The UK’s ambition to become a global leader in space, as outlined in the National Space Strategy, is clear—but achieving this vision requires more than ambition. It demands a coherent, long-term investment strategy, stronger alignment with the devolved administrations and funding that supports each area of space innovation—from research and …
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The UK’s ambition to become a global leader in space, as outlined in the National Space Strategy, is clear—but achieving this vision requires more than ambition. It demands a coherent, long-term investment strategy, stronger alignment with the devolved administrations and funding that supports each area of space innovation—from research and development through to manufacturing and commercialisation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 82) 41
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that long-term strategic investment is essential and states it is working to prioritise investments, with costed plans to be published in 2026 to provide clarity on strategic priorities.
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Scotland Office
18
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Deferred
In its response to this report the UK Government should commit to producing a clear plan—including timescales and funding mechanisms—for broadening its space sector support beyond research and development. This should include targeted investment in manufacturing, productisation, and commercialisation. Funding in these areas will enable UK-based launch and manufacturing companies—particularly …
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In its response to this report the UK Government should commit to producing a clear plan—including timescales and funding mechanisms—for broadening its space sector support beyond research and development. This should include targeted investment in manufacturing, productisation, and commercialisation. Funding in these areas will enable UK-based launch and manufacturing companies—particularly Scottish providers—to scale from development phases to full operational capability, which is essential to establish the sector’s readiness and reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in the space economy. (Recommendation, Paragraph 84)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for broader space sector support beyond R&D, stating it has increased funding by 8% in 2025/26 and will utilise various financial levers for industrialisation. However, a clear plan with specific timescales and funding mechanisms will be set out in a …
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Scotland Office