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
6 results
Clear
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.
Scotland Office
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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.
Scotland Office
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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.
Scotland Office
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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.
Scotland Office
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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.
Scotland Office
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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.
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