Space dreams lost in another dimension

Ambitions for north east Fifes place in the space race have taken a blow after Glasgow Prestwick announced taking a step closer to launching space flights.
Mike Stewart, business development director at Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport with Stuart McIntyre, Orbital Access CEO and the Lynx at the programme launch during Farnborough International Airshow. — Ambitions for north east Fifes place in the space race have taken a blow after Glasgow Prestwick announced taking a step closer to launching space flights. Mike Stewart, business development director at Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport with Stuart McIntyre, Orbital Access CEO and the Lynx at the programme launch during Farnborough International Airshow.

Leuchars had been on the shortlist as a possible contender for development as a spaceport as one of eight coastal locations with working aerodromes that could feasibly host suborbital operations.

Fife harboured hopes of seeing Leuchars base triumph as the final destination and benefitting from subsequent investment.

But space launch vehicle designer XCOR Aerospace announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week with Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport which paves the way for the establishment of manned launch services at the airport using Lynx spacecraft.

However, Fife Council maintain this is a not a negative step and the establishment of significant investment in a Scottish space and aerospace sector will still benefit the Kingdom.

Robin Presswood, head of service said: “The space industry is growing and Scottish firms are in a good position regardless of where the location of the spaceport is built. Whilst we cannot speak on behalf of individual businesses, many have global recognition for their communication systems which are used as part of the space development programme.

“Fife has many of the skills required in the electronics and defence industries and as satellite technologies develop this will give rise to more opportunities.”