Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Acknowledged
Limited government support and endorsement unlocked private finance for Scotland's space launch capacity.
Conclusion
Scotland is uniquely well-placed for launch because of its geographical advantage for polar orbits. SaxaVord is poised to provide a long-term sustainable launch capacity for the global market. Some limited UK Government funding and endorsement provided by the UK Government proactively championing the sector has helped unlock the private finance and international visibility needed to enable the sector to reach this point. (Conclusion, Paragraph 37)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges Scotland's importance for launch capabilities, reiterating its commitment to the UK becoming a launching nation and highlighting £98m invested in the Scottish launch sector. It announces intentions to publish a new cross-government space publication in 2026, detailing its strategic approach to supporting the Scottish launch sector.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the scale of the opportunity for Scottish launch. Scotland’s unique geography, innovative launch startups, combined with a strong satellite manufacturing heritage gives us the opportunity to develop a highly attractive end-to-end offer for customers to design, build, launch and operate satellites all from Scottish soil. In addition, a Scottish launch capability will enhance our national security and resilience, as well as provide an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with international partners and Allies. The UK Government is therefore absolutely committed to ensuring that Scotland’s launch sector delivers on its promise. That is why we have continued to make investments in Scotland’s launch operators and spaceports, bringing total Government investment in the Scottish launch sector to £98 million over the past seven years. We are also continuing working closely with these companies as they prepare for first launches in 2026.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗