WGPlus (Archive)
Small is the (profitable) future |
Future spaceports can apply for a share of £2m to support plans for small satellite launch from aircraft & sub-orbital flight from the UK, Science Minister Chris Skidmore has announced. Sites such as Newquay in Cornwall, Campbeltown and Glasgow Prestwick in Scotland, and Snowdonia in Wales are already developing their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and spaceplane ambitions. The £2m strategic development fund, opened by the UK Space Agency, will help sites like these accelerate their plans further. The potential spaceports can now submit applications to enable research into the market opportunities offered by new & emerging horizontal spaceflight technologies. The UK Space Agency is driving the growth of the space sector as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and continues to be a leading member of European Space Agency, which is independent of the EU. The UK is also playing a major role in space exploration & science, with a British built rover going to Mars in 2020. The demanding environment of space means that investments in the sector generate new knowledge & innovations that extend far beyond the space industry. For example, satellites provide services that enable a wide range of economic activities, supporting industries worth £300bn to the UK. |
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DfT: From airport to spaceport: £2m available to develop horizontal spaceflight in the UK View the Call for proposals: Horizontal Spaceport Development Fund 3, 2, 1 .. Lift Off for a bright economic future UK Space Agency: Spinning experiment may help long stay hospital patients |