Scotland’s spaceport plans ready to blast off

It’s been visited by Elvis Presley and Donald Trump – and now a Scottish airport could be set to go into orbit.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has been told the UK Space Agency (UKSA) continues to support its plans to be one of the UK’s three horizontal space launch sites.

This follows the Space Agency’s announcement on Monday that Sutherland will be the UK’s first vertical spaceport, which is a significant step for the UK space industry.

A spokesman for Prestwick said: ‘We have been working hard with partners over the last 18 months and our concerted efforts will continue as we make horizontal space launch from Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport a reality.

‘We believe Glasgow Prestwick is by far the most suitable spot for horizontal space launch in the UK in terms of location, capability and the thriving satellite manufacturing industry that exists on our doorstep.

‘An independent assessment confirmed that most of the anticipated infrastructure required for space launch capability is already in place at the Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport site meaning that we can move speedily to achieve licencing once the legislation is defined.

American President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania landed at Prestwick Airport last Friday

‘The news that the Space Agency is establishing a £2m fund to help the three UK horizontal sites develop the market is something we are now actively pursuing and we look forward to working with UKSA, CAA and HSE as we develop our plans and move towards a licence application.’

The development of a spaceport at Prestwick is a real opportunity for the Scottish and Ayrshire economies.

The spaceport project is an integral part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal and will help attract new investment to the aerospace cluster located around the airport, safeguarding existing jobs and creating many new ones.

Scotland already has a vibrant space sector with ground breaking R&D work going on in universities and Glasgow being the home of Clyde Space, Spire and Alba Orbital and manufacturing more small satellites that any other city in Europe.

The establishment of a spaceport at Prestwick will facilitate the ongoing growth of these companies and, through the supply chain, stimulate economic growth throughout Scotland the UK.

Stewart Adams, chief executive of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the support we have from South Ayrshire Council and look forward to our continued collaboration with them and our other partners as we look to successfully deliver on our joint vision – a vision that places Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport as a centre of excellence for the space and aerospace industries.

An artist’s impression of inside the Prestwick Spaceport

‘We will be having further discussions with all our stakeholders to review our strategy and how to take our plans forward in light of the additional funding available. We will also be talking to potential customers and launch partners willing to support operations at Prestwick.’

Councillor Douglas Campbell, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: ‘This is great news for the UK space industry and we’re already in contact with colleagues in Sutherland to help support the development of their launch site.

‘Prestwick is still the most advanced site currently in the running for the UK’s first horizontal space launch and we’ll seek to use the development fund to cement our position.

‘Our focus will continue to be on supporting our partners to ensure Prestwick can deliver the significant levels of jobs and investment that we know can be realised through our spaceport ambitions. This will be life-changing for our people and our places and create a legacy that will reap benefits for many years to come.

‘We see Prestwick Spaceport as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal which will facilitate further investment and growth over the next 10 years, building on the capabilities of the established Prestwick aerospace cluster and confirming Prestwick and Ayrshire as the centre of excellence for space and aerospace in Scotland and the UK.’