SaxaVord Spaceport has confirmed that it is in discussions with additional companies as the UK government unveils a new space strategy designed to drive economic growth, strengthen national security and support advanced technologies.
The UK government said its space strategy would help create jobs and enable the UK and its international partners to launch satellites without relying on countries located “far away”.
Funding for the Shetland Islands spaceport forms part of a £148m investment across Europe. Ministers said the funding would support UK space technology companies and help create new employment opportunities.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Scotland already manufactures more satellites than anywhere else in Europe and, thanks to a £30m investment boost from the UK Government, SaxaVord is now poised to deliver up to three-quarters of the continent’s orbital launch slots.”
He added that defence, security and economic growth were at the heart of the UK’s space strategy.
Lise Kahe, CEO of Heartland, which owns a majority stake in SaxaVord Spaceport through its investment arm Wild Ventures, said: “We are very pleased to welcome the UK government as an investor and partner.”
The investment remains subject to due diligence and final approval.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk