The case for space at airport
Prestwick reckons it’s bang on course to become the UK’s first spaceport.
This week it says Brexit will help secure a base, rather than turn the idea into a non- starter.
And they say that working to secure a licence will attract businesses from the space sector to establish themselves here, including Orbital Access which has already set up.
A spokesman said: “The process to deliver a UK Spaceport is being driven at a Westminster level. The UK Government announced in early 2014 that it was looking to establish a spaceport by 2020.
“This process was initially a bid and industry experts assessed suitability and pulled together a shortlist – with Prestwick one of six sites to make the list.
“The airport commissioned a technical feasibility study to better understand its suitability and the requirements to become an operational spaceport. This study was carried out by a US company with vast experience in establishing and supporting US spaceports. The study found that we had favourable weather conditions, an ideal location for polar satellite launches and much of the infrastructure required for a spaceport already in place.
“In the past year, the UK Government has changed the spaceport selection process from a bid to a licensing regime, enabling the commercial market to drive this process forward.
“Prestwick Airport is working closely with the UK Space Agency, CAA and DfT to progress towards securing a licence. These agencies – along with a number of key players in the space industry including Houston Spaceport, satellite companies and academics – firmly believe we are a prime contender to become the first spaceport in the UK and Europe.
“The UK is well placed to capitalise on the fast growing space industry and through the creation of a spaceport is in a position to offer competitive access to space for satellite companies from across the world looking for polar launches.
“We believe that Brexit will accelerate the delivery of a UK spaceport as now is the time to secure our position in the global market to help to underpin and grow our economy.”