Posted by When will the next UK rocket launch take place? It’s a question that has been on the minds of many people. This article looks into the topic to try and answer the question.
When Rocket Launches From UK Soil Could Be Possible?
The day of the next UK rocket launch is debatable, but finally, some plans are on the way. The government is currently working on legislation to help facilitate at least one launch by the end of 2021. It will certainly be an enormous leap for the UK space industry, as space launches from UK soil are a rare case indeed. The last rocket launch mission conducted on British territory was in the 1970s. These are certainly interesting times for the UK, so let’s discover more.
Giant Leap
The UK government has been active in investing in British satellite start-ups and technology over the past few years. The Department for Transport has rolled out several plans for future launches and domestic space industry expansion. Most recently, stakeholders, industry experts, and public members have been invited by the government to have their say on the rules and regulations that will shape the future of UK spaceflight programs. Numerous consultations are underway to make UK rocket operations possible. The British government is keen to do things by the book and to have the public guide their decisions. Efforts are being made to keep things as sustainable as possible.
It is hoped that new legislation will help develop commercial spaceflight technology. Technology will move from traditional rocket launchers to space planes, high altitude balloons, and the launch of small satellites into the lower earth orbit. The current target for the UK government is to gain 10% of the world space market by 2013. They are keen to invest in the space tech industry because of the highly skilled jobs that it creates and the undeniable benefit that the industry can bring to the economy. It will bring prosperity throughout the nation, creating thousands of skilled jobs. There will also be positive externalities for the UK economy in general, particularly in terms of infrastructure building, tourism, and much more. Currently, the space industry is worth over £14 billion, and there are no visible signs that it will stop growing anytime soon.
A New Era
The government certainly wants to launch a new era of space travel and satellite launches from UK soil. Now, more than ever, they are dedicated to cementing the UK as the leading role in the space sector. Transport secretary Grant Shapps has discussed the government’s latest measures extensively, for instance, grants being awarded for facilitation of small satellite launches totaling almost £40 million.
Spaceport Building
The UK has certain advantages in terms of its high longitude and remote areas, creating dozens of potential sites for spaceports. Theoretically, launches can be made without causing much of a disturbance to both wildlife and people while bringing in economic prosperity for poorer regions. By growing the space industry and creating spaceports, the likelihood of a UK rocket launch will be increased. Dozens of sites are being invested in, and plans are underway to build such spaceports in remote areas. The most popular sites for new spaceports are in the Shetland Islands, Cornwall, Scottish Highlands, and Wales.
New Legislation
So when exactly can we expect the next British rocket launch? Although there is no fixed date set on the calendar, it is looking more likely towards the end of 2021 as the government has plans to sign off new legislation. Plans are in motion to create safe, modern, and flexible regulatory frameworks which will help support companies for commercial and sustainable space missions. Everything links back to the old 2018 Space Industry Act – legislation that has taken its time to implement and is still incomplete. It is expected to be fully signed off by the end of 2021.
UK Rocket Launch Time
Exciting times are ahead for Britain and the UK space agency! No longer will the sky be the limit for the UK’s space ambitions. The next launches will undeniably bring great prosperity for the whole of Britain. Hopefully, after the current plans, there will be many UK rocket launch operations for years to come.
What excites you most about the recent news on British spaceflights? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.