MPs to examine plans to launch rockets from Scotland
MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee will examine the pioneering work in Scotland’s spaceport and launch sector in an upcoming evidence session on Monday 8 January at 3pm.
In a historic move last month, SaxaVord’s Shetland Islands site became the UK’s first licenced spaceport for vertical rocket launches. The Committee will question rocket launch companies planning to carry out launches from SaxaVord.
Meeting details
Since no rocket has ever been launched into orbit from western Europe, the new licence marks an opportunity for Scotland to become a world leader in small space launch sites.
MPs will likely ask Sutherland and Shetland spaceports bosses why Scotland is a prime location for space launch and what more the UK and Scottish Governments can do to support the sector’s success.
Launch sector companies on the second panel may face questions on the UK’s space launch regulatory environment, how it competes on the world stage, and whether Scottish workers have the necessary skills for the sector’s demands.