Landmark Scottish rocket launch solidifies UK’s position in space race

A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space race, following a £20m government investment in UK launch company Orbex to build and launch a rocket from the shores of Scotland.

Tech Secretary Peter Kyle announced the Scottish rocket launch today at Brussels’ European Space Conference, positioning Britain as a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s access to the space race.

The investment will help fund Orbex’s rocket Prime, the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket.

Prime is set to take off in late 2025 at Scottish spaceport SaxaVord, one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe.

It will catalyse the UK’s position as a leading small satellite manufacturer and global space leader and support 140 highly paid jobs in the region as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

New investment in Britain’s space capabilities

The Scottish rocket launch will contribute to this government’s mission to grow the economy, boosting the UK’s ability to regularly launch rockets into orbit from its shores and attracting launch investment into the UK.

With European demand for satellites up to 2033 forecasted to be worth $50bn, even 2% of this would bring around $1bn in revenues for the UK economy alone.

Developing Britain’s launch capabilities is already helping to bring new jobs and economic benefits to communities and organisations across the UK. So far, the Prime project has created more than 140 highly skilled jobs in Forres, with many more anticipated as the company continues to grow.

The launch of Prime will also help to inspire a new generation of British space professionals.

By showcasing the pivotal role of Britain in the space age, the government is investing now to ensure a sector that is vibrant, innovative, and, above all, successful in achieving our goal for the UK to become a leading European provider of small satellite launches.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Britain’s impressive toolkit of scientific talent, world-class facilities, and unique geography means we stand ready to lead the charge and to work together with our international partners as a key part of the new space revolution in Europe.

“By investing in this Scottish rocket launch, we are not only helping the country to become a leading destination for small satellite launches in Europe but bringing highly skilled jobs and investment to communities and organisations across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.”

Scottish rocket launch is a valuable location

Designed to launch satellites into orbit, Prime will benefit from the UK’s latitude, with Scotland’s geographical positioning providing easy access to valuable polar orbits.

The British-built Prime is also Europe-leading in its pioneering approach to sustainability.

It is poised to become the first in a new generation of ultra-green launch systems powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, which cuts carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly sized rockets being developed elsewhere around the world.

The rocket is also designed to be reusable. Upon returning to Earth, what does not burn harmlessly in the atmosphere will be recovered, and components will be refurbished and reused for future projects.

“It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector, and this investment from the UK government in Orbex will help Scotland maintain its position as a leader. We look forward to the first satellite launch later this year,” stated Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill.

She concluded: “This important industry is playing a vital role in our Plan for Change, helping economic growth and employing thousands of people in good quality jobs, often in small towns and rural communities, across the country.”

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