Out of this world as blast off set for 2023
First commercial launch planned in two years
The first commercial launch from Prestwick’s spaceport could lift off in September 2023 with construction work beginning next year.
The project team is holding advanced talks with a spacecraft launch service provider who wants to make Prestwick its international base.
The unnamed firm have set a target for a first commercial launch during September 2023.
There are hopes to have a planning application submitted later this year according to a paper presented to Leadership Panel councillors last week.
Plans for the spaceport include launch of satellites, space flights for people and microgravity experiments.
South Ayrshire Council leader Peter Henderson, SNP, said he expects satellites being sent into space will be the first missions to happen.
He said: “It is exciting and progress is being made in all the Ayrshire Growth Deal developments.”
A council spokesman said: “The details of the commercial launch is a discussion between the launch service provider and their clients. However the launch of satellites offers a great commercial opportunity.”
Alongside the £23 million spaceport other developments will include £17 million road infrastructure investment in the airport area, an innovation centre and hangar space.
Combined the aerospace and space projects - which are being funded under the Ayrshire Growth Deal - are worth £80 million.
Councillors signed off on how council decisions will be made on the roll-out of the Ayrshire Growth Deal schemes.
Ayrshire Growth Deal Delivery and Steering Groups are to be established among other governance arrangements.
Council depute leader Brian McGinley, Labour, said: “It is about providing quality jobs for local people.We have a great economic development department. They understand what the local economy needs.”
Councillor Philip Saxton, Labour, said: “It will be a good thing for South Ayrshire. It will bring quite a lot of jobs in experienced trades.”
A council paper said: “The project team is currently in advanced talks with a Launch Service Provider (LSP) that is seeking to establish Prestwick as its global base and is targeting a first commercial launch in September 2023.”