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
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.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
• The Government is committed to making the UK a nation that regularly launches satellites into orbit from own territory. Achieving this will enhance our national security and resilience, and deliver high-skilled jobs, investment, and growth. As home to SaxaVord Spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport, and two domestic rocket manufacturers, Orbex and Skyrora, we recognise the opportunity that Scotland’s launch sector will play in developing Government’s ambitions for launch. • Government has provided significant support to the Scottish launch sector, having invested £98m over the past seven years. Space, and launch in particular, are high-risk industries, and Government necessarily therefore takes on risk when investing in the space sector. While we back credible commercial firms in launch and other parts of the space sector, Government cannot guarantee success in building Scottish launch at any cost. • However, we recognise the need for a sustained and clear commitment from Government in an increasingly competitive landscape across Europe. Following the recent Spending Review, the Government intends to set out our strategic approach to supporting the Scottish launch sector in a new cross-Government space publication, scheduled for 2026. This will provide industry with clarity and direction it needs, in support of our ambition to become a major European launching nation.