Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 21 Jan 2025 Closed: 1 Dec 2025 Parliament page
In June 2023, the previous Scottish Affairs Committee began an inquiry into Scotland’s space sector. That broad inquiry examined the space sector’s contribution to Scotland’s economy, and how the UK Government could support the industry to become a world leader. You can read the call for evidence for that inquiry … Read more
20 Recommendations
4 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
2 Letters
2 Events
Activity timeline 8 events
1 Dec
2025
Report published
10 Sep
2025
Report published
3 Sep
2025
Correspondence
23 Apr
2025
Oral evidence
23 Apr
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
2 Apr
2025
Correspondence
5 Feb
2025
Oral evidence
5 Feb
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
23 Apr 2025
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Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch - Session 2
Chris White-Horne · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Colin Macleod · Civil Aviation Authority Dr Christie Maddock · University of Strathclyde Dr Pamela Smith · AAC Clyde Space Matthew Archer · UK Space Agency Professor Malcolm Macdonald · University of Strathclyde Professor Patrick Harkness · University of Glasgow Rosie Whitbread · UK Civil Aviation Authority Sir Chris Bryant MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
5 Feb 2025
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Scottish Affairs Committee - Public Meeting
Alan Thompson · Skyrora Limited Jörn Spurmann · Rocket Factory Augsburg Nik Smith · UKspace Phil Chambers · Orbex Ruari Brooker · HyImpulse Scott Hammond · SaxaVord Spaceport
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch HC 671 10 Sep 2025 24 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
24 results
1 Recommendation Acknowledged
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Provide substantial government support to Scotland's space sector, capitalising on global launch opportunities.
The global shortage of launch capacity combined with Scotland’s rapid sectoral growth and increasing international interest presents a time- sensitive opportunity that must not be missed. The Government must realise the massive potential for Scotland’s burgeoning space sector to contribute … Read more
Government Response
The government states that its ambition to become a major European launching nation will provide industry with clarity and direction by 2026, though the specific actions or plans relating to this timeframe and commensurate support are not fully detailed in the provided response.
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Limited government support and endorsement unlocked private finance for Scotland's space launch capacity.
Scotland is uniquely well-placed for launch because of its geographical advantage for polar orbits. SaxaVord is poised to provide a long-term sustainable launch capacity for the global market. Some limited UK Government funding and endorsement provided by the UK Government … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges Scotland's importance for launch capabilities, reiterating its commitment to the UK becoming a launching nation and highlighting £98m invested in the Scottish launch sector. It announces intentions to publish a new cross-government space publication in 2026, detailing its strategic approach to supporting the Scottish launch sector.
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3 Recommendation Deferred
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Commit to long-term coordinated investment in Scottish space infrastructure to match sector ambition.
However, it is clear that the UK is falling behind its European counterparts in terms of public investment, leaving Scottish spaceports at a competitive disadvantage in a fast-moving global market. Without sustained backing from the Government—particularly in infrastructure—Scotland risks missing … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for sustained commitment to the Scottish launch sector and intends to set out its strategic approach in a new cross-Government space publication scheduled for 2026, which will provide clarity and direction.
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4 Recommendation Deferred
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Incorporate sustained, strategic space funding into broader economic growth ambitions for Scotland's sector.
To ensure the long-term success and competitiveness of launch sites in Scotland’s space sector, we urge the UK Government to incorporate space funding within its broader economic growth ambitions. This must go beyond ad hoc funding and reflect a sustained, … Read more
Government Response
The government recognizes the need for sustained commitment and will set out its strategic approach to supporting the Scottish launch sector in a new cross-Government space publication scheduled for 2026.
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5 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Examine the case for designating all UK spaceports as freeports to spur sector growth.
The UK Government should examine the case for designating all spaceports as freeports, to spur further growth of the sector and provide a greater opportunity to attract investment, talent and international partnerships. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, stating it does not currently intend to expand the Freeport Programme to cover any new sites.
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6 Recommendation Deferred
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Scotland's early lead in space launch risks being lost without stronger government support.
Scotland has a first mover advantage for achieving Europe’s first orbital launch. However, this early advantage is in danger of being lost, as competitors make rapid progress. If Scotland is to compete, and ultimately succeed, in the race to provide … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the opportunity Scotland's launch sector presents and will set out its strategic approach to supporting the sector in a new cross-Government space publication scheduled for 2026.
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7 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Multiple UK and European spaceports can thrive through diverse networks and international cooperation.
There is enough custom for space launch services—both within Europe and globally—to sustain multiple spaceports across the UK and Europe. We therefore do not consider UK spaceports and Andøya to be existential threats to one another, but rather as facilities … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is continuing to develop international engagement, including active participation in ESA and NATO STARLIFT programmes, to ensure resilient access to space. It outlines ongoing bilateral and multilateral engagements with various nations to promote collaboration and strengthen the UK space sector.
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8 Conclusion Acknowledged
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
UK requires sovereign launch capability for national security; risks foreign dependency without support.
There is a clear consensus among stakeholders that the UK must develop and maintain a sovereign launch capability to secure assured access to space. This is critical for national security and defence resilience. Without decisive Government support, the UK risks … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of a domestic launch capability for national security and resilience, and highlights significant past and ongoing investments in the Scottish launch sector and UK launch companies to secure assured access to space.
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9 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Current geopolitics highlight importance of sovereign space capacity for national and European security.
The current geopolitical climate demonstrates the importance of supporting and securing sovereign space capacity—particularly through responsive and defence ready infrastructure—if not, its ability to protect national and European security interests could be severely compromised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59) Read more
Government Response
The government recognizes the importance of domestic launch capability for national security and resilience, highlighting significant past and ongoing investments in Scottish spaceports and launch companies.
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10 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Prioritise investment in Scottish launch sites and diversify partnerships to reduce foreign dependency.
The UK Government should prioritise investment in Scottish-based launch sites in order to reduce dependency on foreign providers. The Government should also diversify launch partnerships and build domestic capacity to avoid being deprioritised by foreign launch providers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60) … Read more
Government Response
The government supports a commercial approach to launch rather than direct ownership. It commits that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will work with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to promote UK launch services internationally and will publish a space exports strategy in 2026. The Scotland Office also commits to continuing engagement with key companies, supporting supply chains, and collaborating with other government bodies to advocate for the sector.
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11 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Integrate defence priorities into the launch sector by supporting Scottish SMEs in defence projects.
The Ministry of Defence must work with the UK Space Agency and Scottish stakeholders to integrate defence priorities into the launch sector. This should include supporting Scottish SMEs in defence-related projects, creating a pipeline of innovation and capability that aligns … Read more
Government Response
The Ministry of Defence states it is working with DSIT on a 'one-government' approach to space capabilities and supporting UK launch ambitions. It notes procurement rules limit the prioritisation of Scottish providers for defence-related projects and points to its participation in the NATO STARLIFT Programme for promoting UK capabilities and commercial opportunities.
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12 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Prioritise procurement of homegrown responsive launch services from domestic UK providers for defence.
The Ministry of Defence should prioritise the procurement of homegrown responsive launch services from domestic UK providers that can deploy satellites within days or weeks in response to emerging threats. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62)
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that the Ministry of Defence is not currently in a position to implement responsive launch services, as Space Command is focused on initial capabilities and currently has no requirement for independent launch systems.
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13 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
UK's long-term space ambitions require deepened international partnerships with European institutions
While Scotland has great potential to be part of a sovereign launch nation and a collaborative European partner, it is increasingly clear that space ambitions cannot be fully fulfilled in isolation. We are pleased to see that space has been … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is already developing and deepening international engagement, including with European partners, through various programs and bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation and resilience.
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14 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Set out how UK Government is deepening international partnerships for assured space access
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out how it is actively pursuing and deepening international partnerships— particularly with European nations and institutions such as the European Space Agency—to ensure resilient and assured access to space. … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is actively pursuing and deepening international partnerships, including with European nations and institutions like ESA, through active participation in programmes such as ESA Space Transportation and NATO STARLIFT. It details ongoing bilateral and multilateral engagements to strengthen collaboration and ensure resilient access to space.
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15 Recommendation Deferred
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Set out how UK Government will support Scottish companies in European Launcher Challenge
In response to this report, the UK Government should also set out how it will support companies operating in Scotland in succeeding in the European Launcher Challenge. This should include specific measures on how it will commit to the initiative. … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the European Launcher Challenge and notes UK company Orbex's pre-selection, with the UK Space Agency working closely with them. However, specific commitments to the initiative are deferred until after the ESA Council of Ministers (CMIN25) in November, after which the government will provide an update to the Committee.
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16 Recommendation Deferred
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Achieving UK space leadership demands coherent long-term investment strategy and devolved alignment
The UK’s ambition to become a global leader in space, as outlined in the National Space Strategy, is clear—but achieving this vision requires more than ambition. It demands a coherent, long-term investment strategy, stronger alignment with the devolved administrations and … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that long-term strategic investment is essential and states it is working to prioritise investments, with costed plans to be published in 2026 to provide clarity on strategic priorities.
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17 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Space sector prioritisation requires long-term strategic investment aligned with national strategies
The sector’s prioritisation within the Industrial Strategy, must be underpinned by a long-term and strategic approach to investment in the sector, which is also aligned with the objectives of the National Space Strategy and Defence Space Strategy. Such an approach … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need for long-term strategic investment and outlines efforts to formalise a 'one-government' capabilities-led approach to space investments. It commits to publishing costed plans in 2026, which will detail government priorities over the spending review period.
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18 Recommendation Deferred
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Commit to producing plan for broadening space sector support beyond research and development
In its response to this report the UK Government should commit to producing a clear plan—including timescales and funding mechanisms—for broadening its space sector support beyond research and development. This should include targeted investment in manufacturing, productisation, and commercialisation. Funding … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for broader space sector support beyond R&D, stating it has increased funding by 8% in 2025/26 and will utilise various financial levers for industrialisation. However, a clear plan with specific timescales and funding mechanisms will be set out in a new cross-government space publication, scheduled for 2026.
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19 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
UK Government becoming anchor customer is vital for Scotland's launch sector viability
The UK Government must realise the value of becoming a long-term, sustainable customer of ‘home grown’ space capabilities. Once Scotland has a proven sovereign launch capability, the provision of Government support as an ‘anchor customer’ of domestic services, rather than … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is supporting a commercial approach to launch, is highly unlikely to provide sufficient demand to sustain the sector itself, and does not commit to becoming an anchor customer.
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20 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Commit to identifying early public sector customers for Scotland's launch and spaceport sector
The UK Space Agency should therefore commit to working with both the UK and Scottish Governments to identify early public sector customers for Scotland’s launch and spaceport sector. Government becoming a customer of the Scottish launch sector would send a … Read more
Government Response
The government states it supports a commercial approach to launch, is highly unlikely to provide sufficient demand to sustain the sector, and will set out its space exports strategy in a 2026 publication.
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21 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Unclear roles and fragmented responsibility for space policy hinder sector growth
Responsibility for space policy and regulation is currently spread across multiple government departments, which leads to unclear roles. Companies within the sector are having to coordinate with multiple government 42 departments, often with limited communication or coordination between them. This … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is committed to coordinated space activity through existing multi-departmental governance and ministerial forums, but rejects establishing a new specific Cabinet committee for space or publishing forum meeting details.
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22 Conclusion Not Addressed
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Direct government control of UK Space Agency must safeguard its autonomy and agility
We therefore cautiously welcome the Government’s decision to take direct control of the UK Space Agency, which signals a clear intent to strengthen coordination across Government, to support the sector’s development. If implemented well, this move could be a step … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses on general coordination across departments and existing ministerial forums, but does not address the committee's specific concerns about ensuring the UK Space Agency's autonomy, proactivity, and agility under new direct control.
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23 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Set out structure, publish minutes, and regularly update Parliament on the Cabinet sub-committee for space.
Nonetheless, enhanced cross-departmental collaboration will still be needed to ensure the UK’s space sector operates under a coherent and unified direction. In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out the structure, membership, and remit of the … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to establish a new Cabinet sub-committee for space, stating that ministers already meet regularly through a Space Ministerial Forum. It also declines to publish meeting schedules, attendance, or minutes for any such forum or committee, citing long-established precedent.
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24 Recommendation Rejected
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Ensure the Cabinet sub-committee for space delivers meaningful coordination improvements and engagement.
While we are sympathetic to the sector’s calls for a dedicated ‘Minister for Space’, we do not believe such a role is necessary at this time. Fundamentally, the sector’s calls reflect a desire for improved engagement with the sector, and … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to focus on the Cabinet sub-committee for space, stating they have not committed to establishing such a committee. They also confirm that details and minutes of any ministerial forums will not be made public, citing long-established precedent.
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Government Response AI assessment · 24 of 20 classified
Accepted 6
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 6
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 7
Total 20 recs + 4 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
3 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from Minister of State, Sir Chris Bryant, regarding UKSA and DSIT, dated 01 September 2025
Parliament page
2 Apr 2025 To committee Letter from Scottish Government regarding Scotland’s space sector follow up: launch, dated 27 March 202
Parliament page