Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Space Launch

Wednesday 26 March 2025 · 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 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Department working to ensure the UK space sector promotes innovation and investment, creating skilled jobs in both commercial and defence sectors across the country.
  • Scotland has particular expertise in the space sector, with Glasgow's economy supporting small satellite manufacturing.
  • Government developing a space strategy to deliver on priorities, addressing concerns raised by the National Audit Office.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire
Scotland Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

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 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem 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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

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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