Shetland spaceport to receive £30m as part of government's new space strategy

The UK Government says its new strategy will invest millions in strengthening the country’s defences against threats from space.

SaxaVord Spaceport, on the island of Unst, Shetland, at the northernmost point of the UK, is set to receive a further £30 million in support through the UK Space Strategy.

The strategy sets out funding of £7.8 billion across the space sector up to 2030.

It includes £2.8 billion for the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit and Skynet defence communications programmes.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the government wanted to strengthen the UK’s ability to launch satellites.

Mr 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.”

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This space strategy recognises that our national security depends on our freedom of action in space and, if necessary, the ability to protect UK and allied space assets.

“As threats in orbit grow more sophisticated, so must our ability to detect and respond to them, ensuring we protect the interests of the UK and allies while fuelling economic growth along the way.”

A number of companies plan to use SaxaVord Spaceport as a hub for commercial rockets, hoping to tap into global demand for satellite launches.

German company 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.

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.”