Britain’s first spaceports set for lift-off

PRIVATE companies will be able to launch rockets into space from UK spaceports under laws unveiled today.

It will allow satellites, vertical rockets and horizontal flights to set off from the UK for the first time.

Currently satellites can be launched into orbit only from space stations in countries such as the US and India.

But under a new Spaceflight bill, spaceports will be established across Britain and are expected to be operational by 2020. Announcing the bill, ministers said the UK space sector is the ‘future of the British economy’ and the Government wants the UK to ‘remain at the forefront of a new commercial space age for the next 40 years’.

It will enable British scientists to conduct experiments in zero gravity which could help develop vaccines and medicines. Antibiotics grow differently where there is no gravity so the move has the potential to help scientists conduct revolutionary research.

Once launched, the satellites could also help provide broadband to rural communities and monitor weather systems as they move around the earth.

Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad added that the UK’s space sector already employs thousands of people and supports industries worth more than £250million to the economy.