Government’s £50 million boost for space tourism

WHITE PAPER: Call to embrace change as millions set aside to respond to ‘challenges and opportunities’ as the UK leaves the European Union

Plans to launch satellites and tourists into space from the UK have received a £50 million boost from the Government.

The promised money, part of the Industrial Strategy announced by Business Secretary Greg Clark, will help fund the technology and infrastructure needed to make British space ports a reality.

Potential space port operators are having their pitches for grant funding considered by the UK Space Agency.

A decision on which of the 26 submitted proposals will be supported is expected early next year.

Several potential space port sites have been suggested, all of which could conduct launches over the sea to avoid population centres.

They include Newquay in Cornwall, Llanbedr in Snowdonia, and three Scottish sites – Glasgow Prestwick, Campbeltown and Stornoway.

A UK space port – or ports, because there could be more than one – would help Britain to make the most of its booming small satellite industry.

It could also become a major departure point for passengers paying for a glimpse of space on sub-orbital flights.

The Government pitched a new strategy for industry yesterday, setting the aim of making the UK the world’s most innovative nation by 2030.

The industrial strategy launched by business secretary Greg Clark plans to boost the economy and embrace the opportunities of technological change.

Funding totalling £725 million will be made available to the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to respond to “challenges and opportunities faced by the UK” in the next three years.

This includes £170m to transform the construction sector and help create affordable places to live and work which are safer, healthier and use less energy.

Up to £210m will be available to improve early diagnosis of illnesses and develop precision medicine for patients across the UK.

The Government has previously committed £1 billion to the first wave of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund projects, including investing £246m in next generation battery technology and £86m in robotics hubs across the UK.

Mr Clark said: “The way we earn and live our lives as workers, citizens and consumers is being transformed by new technologies.

“The UK is well-placed to benefit from this new industrial revolution and we start from a position of significant strength.

“We have a thriving research and science base and are home to a wide range of innovative sectors, from advanced manufacturing and life sciences, to fintech and creative industries.

“The industrial strategy is an unashamedly ambitious vision for the future of our country, laying out how we tackle our productivity challenge, earn our way in the future, and improve living standards across the country.”

Perth-based energy company SSE said it welcomed the strategy, which follows consultation with more than 2,000 businesses.

A firm spokesman said: “The white paper’s focus on developing new infrastructure and ambitious sector deals for offshore wind, attracting green finance, charging points for electric vehicles and 5G connectivity across the UK suggests further opportunities for SSE.”

Karen Betts, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, said the whisky industry was looking forward to participating in the proposed food and drink manufacturing sector deal and was also eager to work with government to develop a specific UK spirits sector deal.

However the general secretary of union TUC Frances O’Grady said the Government had “missed a trick” by not listening to the views of workers and said unions must be represented on the new Industrial Strategy Council.

The Industrial Strategy is an ambitious vision for the future of our country. GREG CLARK BUSINESS SECRETARY