UK Space Launch 2025-03-26

2025-03-26

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Douglas McAllister Lab
West Dunbartonshire
Context
The MP inquires about the government's plans to support UK space launches, emphasizing the importance of creating skilled jobs and promoting innovation across Scotland and the United Kingdom.
What work is the Department doing to ensure that the UK space sector is a launch pad for innovation and investment, and creates skilled jobs—both commercial and in the defence sector—across Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole?
We have space skills across the UK, but we have particular expertise in Scotland. I enjoyed visiting Glasgow recently to see how every part of its economy supports the space sector, especially the small satellite manufacturing sector. Several launch operations, including Orbex, are targeting orbital launches from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland this year. That is a testament to the innovation taking place throughout the UK and specifically in Scotland.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Alistair Carmichael LD
Orkney and Shetland
Context
The MP inquires about the Government's response to challenges identified by the National Audit Office related to the UK's space strategy.
If that first space launch happens, and I believe it will, it will happen at SaxaVord in Unst. For the UK space sector as a whole to recognise the full opportunities we have, we need to get serious about the delivery of the Government’s space strategy. Last year, the National Audit Office identified a number of challenges that the strategy faces. When will we hear the Government’s response?
I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that, when we came into office, we did not inherit a clear strategy for delivering on our priorities for space. That strategy is now being developed. The investments we are making as a Department and a Government into space, and the way we are making sure that our relationship with the European Space Agency is delivering for the British sector—we have more grants being delivered in the UK in the latest round of funding than any other country—show that we are delivering. I share his enthusiasm and certainty that a launch will happen this year, and I very much look forward to being there alongside him to witness it.
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