Scotland is at risk of missing a “generational opportunity” to become a European leader in space launch, according to a report by the Scottish Affairs Committee.
The committee highlights that while Scotland has real potential, with sites like SaxaVord in Shetland being well-placed to seize the advantage, stiff international competition and insufficient public investment threaten to erode Scotland’s first-mover edge.
Patricia Ferguson, chair of the committee, stressed the time sensitivity of the chance: “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.”
She went on to urge: “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.
“Our report sets out ways to do this that can not only provide the confidence and clarity that the industry really needs to scale up, but also position the UK as a serious contender on the global launch stage”.
The committee’s report warns that Scotland’s “first mover advantage” could be lost as rivals like Norway ramp up investment and infrastructure for small satellite launches. MPs recommend the UK Government shift from “ad-hoc grants” to a strategy of long-term, meaningful investment in both infrastructure and regulation, and that the government become an “anchor customer” for domestic launch providers to build market confidence and growth.
Scott Hammond, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, echoed these concerns: “I have been saying for a long time that government needs to up its game and get more fully behind the satellite launch sector, which with 10,000 small satellites expected to be launched in the next decade is as exciting a new growth opportunity as any.
“Other countries such as Norway – and this is a truly international playing field – have provided much more financial support to their sovereign launch capabilities, and we need to follow suit in order to gain a significant share of a market that will be worth 28 billion dollars and secure assured access to space for the UK”.
The committee also points out that confusion within government roles is creating hurdles for the space sector. Their recommendations include greater clarity in policy and streamlined responsibility to give industry “the clarity and confidence it needs to excel” and ensure Scotland, and the UK, do not fall behind in this fast-evolving global market.
Scotland’s window of opportunity remains open for now but, as the committee concludes, “the UK Government needs to go further and faster” to secure the country’s place in the forefront of space launch in Europe.
