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
3 results
Clear
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.
Scotland Office
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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.
Scotland Office
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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.
Scotland Office
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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