Parliament inquiry to ‘examine the reality of Scotland’s launch readiness’

A UK Parliament committee has launched a short inquiry to assess Scotland’s space launch capability.

It comes after the Scottish Affairs Committee held an evidence session in February which focused on developments towards achieving launch capabilities in Scotland – with Unst’s SaxaVord Spaceport in the centre of it all.

The committee said Scotland’s space sector is an increasingly important part of the UK’s broader space industry, while Scotland already an international leader in small satellite manufacturing and space data analytics.

SaxaVord – which is fully licensed and the most advanced spaceport in the country – is intending to host vertical launches later this year, which would be a first for the UK.

In the cross-party committee’s inquiry, MPs will assess Scotland’s launch readiness and the future of its capabilities.

It will also explore the potential for Scotland to become a European and global competitor in the field, and examine what support the UK Government could provide to Scotland’ space sector.

This inquiry focuses on launch capabilities and follows up on from the work of the previous committee, before the general election, into the whole of Scotland’s space sector.

As a result the committee will not open a call for evidence, and will instead use evidence that was submitted to the previous inquiry.

Commenting on the inquiry, Scottish affairs committee chair, Patricia Ferguson said: “In February, SaxaVord confirmed to the committee the exciting news that it planned to launch a rocket from Shetland by the end of the year.

“In that evidence session, it was clear that Scotland has the potential to be a leader in space launch capabilities and become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for satellite services. We want to help it realise this potential.

“Through this inquiry, our committee will examine the reality of Scotland’s launch readiness, consider the future of its launch capabilities and assess the sustainability of the spaceports that are being developed in Scotland.

“Importantly, we’ll also be asking the crucial question of what support the UK Government can give to ensure the future of Scottish launch capabilities and make sure the sector continues to go from strength to strength.”