Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 671
Published 10 September 2025
Recommendations
3
Deferred
Commit to long-term coordinated investment in Scottish space infrastructure to match sector ambition.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Scotland Office
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4
Deferred
Incorporate sustained, strategic space funding into broader economic growth ambitions for Scotland's sector.
Recommendation
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, …
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Government Response 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.
Scotland Office
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6
Deferred
Scotland's early lead in space launch risks being lost without stronger government support.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Scotland Office
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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. …
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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.
Scotland Office
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16
Deferred
Achieving UK space leadership demands coherent long-term investment strategy and devolved alignment
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Scotland Office
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18
Deferred
Commit to producing plan for broadening space sector support beyond research and development
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 new cross-government space publication, scheduled for 2026.
Scotland Office
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