Spaceport Location Shortlist Cut

Six sites which could become Britain's first spaceport have been announced by the UK Government. The shortlist has been cut from the eight named last July following a three-month consultation. The six sites are now Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Glasgow Prestwick in South Ayrshire and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, as well as Newquay in Cornwall and Llanbedr in north Wales. RAF Leuchars in Fife was also confirmed as a potential temporary facility. Two airfields at RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks in Moray have been ruled out by the Government for "overriding military operational factors''. The aim is to have an operational spaceport by 2018, which could be used to launch tourists into space as well as commercial satellites. Aviation minister Robert Goodwill said: "I want Britain to lead the way in commercial spaceflight. Establishing a spaceport will ensure we are at the forefront of this exciting new technology. "Today's consultation response marks another step forward in our work to support this emerging industry, which will create jobs and drive economic growth.'' The next step will be for the Department for Transport to develop a detailed technical specification of spaceport requirements, due to be published later this year, before inviting proposals. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said potential spaceport sites should have a runway which is already more than 3,000m (9842ft) long or could be extended to that length, and is located away from densely populated areas. It should also be able to accommodate areas of segregated special use airspace to manage space flights safely. The CAA also strongly recommended that a spaceport should be situated at a coastal location. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Paving the way for a national spaceport is one of our biggest science achievements in this parliament. It greatly underscores the work of our space innovation and growth strategy to position the UK as a world-leader in this exciting arena that is expected to be worth up to £400 billion a year to the global economy by 2030. "Launching satellites and operating commercial space flights from our shores was once only confined to the depths of science fiction, but with the results of this consultation we are one step closer to making this a very real ability in the near future.'' SNP Moray MP Angus Robertson criticised the decision to rule out the two sites in his constituency. He said: "The announcement that Kinloss and Lossiemouth have both been ruled out as potential spaceport sites is an extremely bad decision by the UK Government. "I am utterly mystified that the Ministry of Defence assessment has reached this conclusion, particularly at Kinloss, whose runway is barely used since the Nimrods were removed from service and which has acres of space that could be better used. "Given the keen interest shown in Moray's location and facilities by Virgin Galactic it is an inexplicable decision. "Many folk in Moray, both in public agencies and in the wider community, have backed the idea of a spaceport here and have evidenced the suitability of the area for it.'' The Government said that while its current focus is to identify the best location for sub-orbital spaceplane operations, this does not prejudice any long-term consideration of a vertical launch facility.

Scottish Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Secretary Keith Brown said: "Today's announcement provides some welcome clarity around the criteria and what is required moving forward, in particular the technical requirements governing infrastructure, airspace management and safety. "Our main focus is on ensuring the spaceport is based in Scotland and each owner and their local partners will now decide whether to progress their own bid in light of today's detail. "As we've consistently said, we stand ready to support and offer advice to any Scottish bid - not just Prestwick. "While Prestwick Airport would appear to be in a strong position, there may also be scope to utilise more airfields in Scotland as part of any successful bid to ensure other parts of the country benefit along the way.'' Iain Cochrane, chief executive of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, welcomed the announcement of the shortlist. He said: "Prestwick Airport has been a pioneer of the UK aerospace industry and aviation since its foundation in 1935. I believe Prestwick offers the perfect conditions for space launches and our extensive developed concrete airfield and 3km runway provide the facilities needed for all types of re-usable spacecraft in development. "We have an experienced hi-tech aerospace workforce and a substantial aviation and hi-tech engineering industrial footprint. Our Scottish Enterprise incentive zone supports the growth of the space industry.'' He added: "While we have safe over-water flight paths, we also have over four million people within a two-hour drive, giving us access to the widest range of specialists and expertise. This combination of features is unique amongst the sites being considered and positions Prestwick as the leading candidate to become the UK's first spaceport.'' Mr Cochrane also said universities in Glasgow and Ayr are at the forefront of space and aerospace engineering research and teaching.