The first space launch from British soil could take place within a few years

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The first space launch from British soil could take place within a few years, Transport Secretary announces

  • Consultation on the future of spaceflight in Britain will be take off from today 
  • Proposals for seven spaceports across South West England, Scotland and Wales 
  • Mr Shapps says plan: ‘Paves way for giant leap in development of space sector’ 

By Larisa Brown Defence And Security Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

Britain’s first spacecraft lift-off could take place in the next few years, the Transport Secretary announced last night. 

Grant Shapps said a consultation will be launched today on the rules for UK spaceflight. 

There are seven proposed spaceports for south-west England, Scotland and Wales and the Civil Aviation Authority will become the flights regulator. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said a consultation will be launched today on the future of space flight in Britain

Mr Shapps said: ‘The UK’s space sector can strengthen our national capabilities, create high-skilled jobs and drive future economic growth. 

‘Getting the rules in place for space launches from UK territory may seem like one small step. 

‘But it paves the way for a giant leap in the development of our space sector.’ 

The Government and industry are aiming to develop a 10 per cent share of the global space market by 2030. 

So far, Whitehall has awarded nearly £40million in grants to set up small satellite launches. 

Richard Moriarty, of the CAA, said: ‘We welcome the publication of this important consultation and the Government’s intention to appoint the CAA.’