A SCOTTISH spaceport has been given millions in funding in a move which has been described as a "significant vote of confidence".
SaxaVord Spaceport, on the island of Unst, Shetland, is to receive £30 million in support from the UK Government, which will be matched by private investors.
The funding comes through the UK Space Strategy, which sets out funding of £7.8 billion across the space sector up to 2030, and includes £2.8bn for the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit and Skynet defence communications programmes.
SaxaVord is the UK's only licenced "vertical launch" spaceport, which a number of companies plan to use as a hub for commercial rockets.
Two German companies are in a race to be the first company to do a vertical test launch from SaxaVord.
Rocket Factory Augsburg is working towards the first vertical orbital test flight from UK soil, while HyImpulse is preparing for a sub-orbital launch campaign.
Commenting, SaxaVord chief executive Scott Hammond said: “This is a hugely significant vote of confidence in SaxaVord and in the UK’s determination to establish its own launch capability.
“We have transformed a former RAF radar station in Unst into the UK’s first, licensed, vertical launch spaceport.
“This Government investment, which will unlock a matching amount of private investment, will help us take the next step – establishing regular launch operations from the UK and building a sustainable commercial spaceport for the long term.”
Meanwhile, UK Government Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “As space becomes a new frontier of economic and military competition, this plan will help keep Britain secure by strengthening our ability to launch satellites, detect threats and protect the services people rely on every day.
“At the same time, this plan will enable our excellent UK industry to seize the boundless opportunities of this new age in space, creating skilled jobs, driving growth and improving connectivity for all of us.”
