Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rockets and Satellites

Thursday 30 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The framework has been established to enable the first UK launch to space.
  • Cornwall is expected to see the first rocket launch from UK soil at Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay.
  • The Minister praised the ingenuity at Spaceport Cornwall's integration facility and acknowledged the work of Cherilyn Mackrory and Steve Double.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cherilyn Mackrory
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is inquiring about steps taken to support rocket and satellite launches from the UK, a significant development for British aerospace.

Question

What steps have been taken to support the launch of rockets and satellites from the UK?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

We have established the framework to enable the first launch to space from the UK, and we remain on track for it to happen later this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions taken to support the launch process beyond establishing a framework were not detailed.

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Q2 Cherilyn Mackrory
Transport
Context

Cornwall is at the forefront of space technology in the UK, with over 157 local businesses involved in the sector. The MP seeks to expedite necessary licences from the Civil Aviation Authority for a scheduled launch this summer.

Question

We have heard a lot about railways around the country this morning, but Cornwall is leading from the front when it comes to rockets and satellites. This year, we expect to see the first launch from UK soil, when lift-off takes place at Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay. One hundred and fifty-seven businesses across Cornwall are now linked with the space industry. I ask the Minister to ensure that the Civil Aviation Authority makes progress as soon as possible with issuing the necessary licences to ensure that the launch can take place this summer.

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I have seen for myself the beauty of Cornwall and the ingenuity at Spaceport Cornwall's integration facility. It is thanks to the championing of my hon. Friend, and that of my hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and Newquay (Steve Double), that in partnership with Virgin Orbit, and with the CAA and the UK Space Agency firmly on board, we will see the first ever space launch from UK soil later this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to expedite licence issuance were not detailed; response focused more on general progress and partnerships.

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