Scotland is set to become a global space leader – but there’s a catch

Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee has urged the UK Government to go ‘further and faster’ to help Scotland establish itself as a leader in space launch.

Scotland is well-placed to become a key player in the growing small satellite launch sector. Its geographical advantages and existing satellite manufacturing sector give it an advantage over European competitors, and mean it could offer an end-to-end launch service.  

Scotland’s advantages are reflected by the fact that five of the UK’s seven developing spaceports are located there. Among them, SaxaVord in Shetland is at the most advanced stage of development. 

However, Scotland’s launch sector faces fierce European competition – particularly from Norway.

Now Scotland’s ‘first mover’ advantage is in danger of being lost due to low government investment compared to other European countries. This puts Scotland at a competitive disadvantage and could hinder the UK’s ability to capitalise on the growing space economy.

To remedy this, MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee have urged the UK Government to move away from ad hoc grants and commit to a long-term, sustained investment strategy for the sector.

Once launch has been achieved, the committee also recommends that the UK Government becomes an ‘anchor customer’ of Scotland’s launch providers to ensure their long-term financial viability.

The MPs also outline how this would send a clear signal of confidence and stability that the sector needs to scale and attract international customers.

The group also emphasises the importance of space launch capabilities to national security and defence readiness. Given this, MPs urge investment in Scotland-based launch sites to develop the UK’s sovereign launch capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign providers, recommending that defence priorities should be integrated into the launch sector.

“Scotland has real potential to become a leader in space launch, which space ports such as SaxaVord in Shetland are well-placed to seize. The economic benefits of this would be huge, but it’s a time-sensitive opportunity we’re in danger of missing,” said Patricia Ferguson (Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee).

“We’re urging the UK Government to commit to sustained financial backing of the sector, and move towards long-term, co-ordinated investment that can match the fantastic ambition and momentum demonstrated by the sector,” she said.

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