Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Deferred
Set out how UK Government will support Scottish companies in European Launcher Challenge
Recommendation
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
Government Response 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 provide an update to the Committee.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
• Government is taking a keen interest in the European Launcher Challenge (ELC) and recognises the potential opportunity it provides for the UK launch industry and for the future development of European launch capabilities. • We were extremely pleased to see that a UK company, Orbex, was pre-selected by ESA for the Challenge, as well as German company RFA, given their partnership with SaxaVord Spaceport and plans to launch from the UK. This was a significant achievement for both companies and a fantastic opportunity for the development of launch capabilities in the Scotland. • The UK Space Agency will work closely with Orbex as they progress through the next stage of the ELC, and this result will inform preparations for the ESA Council of Ministers (CMIN25) in November. UK successes and progress in programmes such as the ELC raise the profile of the sector and help catalyse funding for the continued development of launch in the UK. • Decisions on UK participation in the ELC will form part of CMIN25 negotiations in November, and we therefore cannot provide specific commitments at this stage. However, we will write to the Committee following the Council of Ministers to update them on our approach to the programme.