SPACE UK SPACEPORTS
T
he UK is the most attractive destination in Europe to host commercial small satellite launches
– offering the right geography, the right business and regulatory environment and the right industrial capability to support a range of spaceflight activities. Geographically advantageous, the
UK’s long coastline and island location make it unique in easily hosting different types of launch services. Scotland is the best place in the UK to reach in- demand satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets. Spaceplanes and other space transportation can be launched at several aerodromes around the UK, each with their own individual geography and local infrastructure. Our space and aerospace sector are
internationally renowned and home to many thriving companies and ground- breaking capabilities. Working with pioneering launch systems and space services, each of our spaceports will provide access to a range of valuable polar and sun-synchronous orbits. We were the first country in Europe to
put in place new spaceflight laws. Our outcome-focused regulatory framework, including the Space Industry Act 2018, is the most modern space legislation in
the world, with a focus on safety and the flexibility to support the pace of innovation. Our legislation allows for the regulation of a wide range of spaceflight technologies, including traditional vertically launched vehicles, air-launched vehicles, sub- orbital spaceplanes, and balloons. We have used our strong global
partnerships to ensure we have access to markets, financing, and supply chains all around the world. The UK-US Technology Safeguards Agreement, (TSA), allows US companies to operate from UK spaceports and export space launch technology, enabling the UK to access revenues and customers previously unavailable, while abiding by both countries’ commitments to non-proliferation. In addition, we have used our international partnerships to secure agreements with Ireland, Iceland, Portugal, the Faroe Islands and Norway to enable UK launch activities.
Spaceport Cornwall
Spaceport Cornwall, based at Newquay Airport, is a project between Cornwall Council, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, Goonhilly Earth Station and Virgin Orbit. The site is operational having received its Spaceport
licence from the CAA in November 2022 and conducted its first launch campaign with Virgin Orbit in January 2023. A 2,744 m long runway with direct
access over the sea for horizontal launch of payloads up to 300 kg to low Earth orbit. It features a Centre for Space Technologies development consisting of the Space Systems Integration Facility, Space Systems Operations Facility, and R&D Facility. Supported through funding by local
and central government, Spaceport Cornwall is launching the region’s new space ecosystem. The renowned Goonhilly Earth Station, the world’s most capable satellite ground station, is also offering its services alongside the spaceport. Collaboratively, Cornwall’s space cluster
offers broader opportunities than just launch, including: Space specific skills pathways offered by local colleges and universities from apprenticeships to degree level. With the help of a dedicated Cornwall Space Cluster development team countless downstream application companies have been established, and Space is enabling other sectors such geo-resources, renewable energy, and defence to develop. All this activity has led the Space sector
in Cornwall to successfully grow 164% since 2010. Spaceport Cornwall is determined to
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