SCOTLAND'S space sector is to receive a funding boost worth almost £11 million.
Two projects will receive £8.5m between them, with cash going towards a sub-orbital rocket test by Glasgow-based HyImpulse from the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland.
The second project to be helped is led by Spire Global, also in Glasgow, which is working to further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction centres.
Dr Paul Bate, chief executive officer of the UK Space Agency, said the new projects being funded would “help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations”.
An additional three smaller “kick starter” projects in Scotland will receive £2.4m between them – with this funding helping projects at an earlier stage of development.
The schemes to be funded include a partnership between the University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, which is looking to carry out a feasibility study into whether hi-tech drilling techniques can be adapted for lunar exploration.
Also funded is a partnership between the University of Glasgow and several space firms to develop technology to "inspect, protect and repair" British assets in orbits.
The investment comes as the UK Government pledged £33m for more than 20 space projects, with the cash coming from the UK Space Agency’s national space innovation programme.
Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow, where he met with a number of Scottish exhibitors, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said (above): “Scotland is a major player in the international space industry and I am delighted the UK Government is continuing to back the sector with £10.9m in funding for these five Scottish projects.
“This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year.
“The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country."
John Hanley, chairman of the trade body UKspace, said: “This investment into the space industry demonstrates the importance of funding through a national programme to unlock innovative collaborations in all parts of the UK.
“We hope this will further strengthen the sector and build upon the growth we have seen in recent years.”
