Space company secures £5m in government funding
A GERMAN space firm expected to carry out sub-orbital test launches from the SaxaVord Spaceport later this year has been awarded £5 million in UK Government funding.
HyImpulse has been carrying out propulsion tests with its hybrid fuel at the former Scatsta airfield for some time, and it received a marine licence to deposit debris in the sea north of Unst earlier this year.
The Sustainable Hybrid: Accelerated Rocket Programme – or SHARP – is one of five Scottish projects sharing a total of £10.9 million government funding.
In cooperation with Cranfield University, Birmingham University and the AVICON partnership, HyImpulse is working towards conducting a vertical launch in the UK with the final goal being the completion of the second stage of the orbital rocket ready for testing.
This project aims to conduct the vertical launch of a sounding rocket from SaxaVord.
Speaking at the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow Scottish secretary Ian Murray said he was looking forward “to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year”.
He added: “The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country. “It was fantastic to meet with some of them here and hear about their pioneering plans which could be a key driver for growth, jobs and investment in Scotland.”
Meanwhile, a project led by Spire Global (Glasgow) is receiving £3.5 million to further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction centres.
An additional three ‘kickstarter’ projects across Scotland will share £2.4 million between them.
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Chief executive of the UK Space Agency Dr Paul Bate said: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.
“They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on earth.”
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