Two firms involved in ambitious Prestwick Spaceport plans have joined forces.
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. and Astraius Ltd. have announced a collaboration to enhance future satellite launch capabilities from Prestwick Spaceport.
During a visit to the site by Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism, and Enterprise Ivan McKee, the companies commemorated the announcement with a signing ceremony.
Prestwick Spaceport, a joint partnership between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire Council, aims to become Europe’s premier location for carrying small satellites into orbit via “air launch.”
Air Launch is a technique that enables a rocket to reach space after being launched from an aircraft that has flown out to an ideal location over the ocean.
Spirit and Astraius - both based within Prestwick’s developing space cluster- are working to advance and accelerate the system components and key processes required for the Astraius horizontal launch platform.
The UK government has made orbital launch a key priority, with the National Space Strategy outlining plans to secure an increased portion of a global space economy expected to be worth £490bn by 2030.
The space sector in the UK employs over 45,000 people - with Scotland accounting for one-fifth of that figure.
Scott McLarty, Spirit senior vice president, Airbus and Regional/Business Jet Programs, said: “We are delighted to be working with Astraius to explore opportunities to contribute further to the expansion of the UK Space Sector, through the design, manufacturing, integration and testing of aerostructures for launch activities.”
Astraius’ horizontal launch solution leverages the accessibility of C-17 transport aircraft, combining innovative technology with proven delivery platforms that removes the reliance on individually modified aircraft and increases responsiveness.
The company brings together an international team with experience in commercial space launch and operations, to offer an affordable solution that caters to the growing demand for payloads designed to carry out a variety of tasks from orbit, such as monitoring climate change and supporting disaster relief efforts.
Astraius Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Seymour, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first step in what I’m confident will be a long-term partnership with Spirit AeroSystems.
“Spirit’s advanced manufacturing expertise and world-class facilities can significantly bolster our development roadmap, bringing together UK engineering excellence with proven horizontal launch technology.
“With both companies located in Prestwick, our collaboration is further testament to the proactive and vibrant space ecosystem developing around Prestwick Spaceport.”
Minister Ivan McKee said: “There is great potential and opportunities in the space sector in Scotland with the first orbital launch from Scottish soil due this year.
“That is why we have identified the sector as a priority in our National Strategy for Economic Transformation. Our ambition is clear, we want to become Europe’s leading space nation by 2030.
“The signing of this MoU is great news, and it is another positive step in the development of space and aerospace opportunities in Prestwick.”
Ian Annett, deputy chief executive officer at the UK Space Agency, said: “We welcome the partnership between Spirit AeroSystems and Astraius, which brings Astraius another step closer towards conducting a launch from the UK.
“Developing orbital launch capabilities is already helping the space sector to generate growth across science and engineering supply chains, catalyse investment, create new jobs and career paths, and inspire the next generation of space professionals all over the UK.”
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