A busy turnout for the IET Scotland ‘Spaceport Prestwick’ talk in Glasgow on 29th October 2015. Around 90 attendees, including the delegates from the Space Robotics Symposium organised by Strathclyde Space Institute and SMeSTech, came along to hear Prestwick Spaceport Director Stuart McIntyre speak on the proposals and why Prestwick was the best option for the UK Spaceport programme.
The talk focused on the existing facilities, the meteorology of the surrounding area, the clean air microclimate, NATS Northern Control base already situated in Prestwick, tourism in the surrounding area, transport links and the technology that is already being looked at for any Spaceport.
Space travel is opening up on a commercial basis , various companies are developing new designs of spacecraft to take people and cargoes into space. The new rocketplanes are more versatile than the massive three-stage rockets whose lift-offs are so familiar: the rocketplanes will use conventional runways; these developments are coming at an important time for the UK’s satellite manufacturers.
The UK is a world leader in the satellite business, with a particular strength in small satellites. Scottish companies are already to the fore in providing components and systems for satellites, particularly small satellites, and the first Scottish-built satellite is about to be launched.But the UK has no satellite launch facilities of its own – a striking gap for a country with such a global presence in the satellite sector. UK satellites have to be sent to other countries to piggyback on their launch systems. The UK Government has now targeted as a priority the establishment of a UK spaceport by 2018, and this is where Scotland comes in. Three Scottish sites are in the pool of five from which the UK's spaceport will be chosen, with Prestwick a clear front runner, although Newquay in Cornwall is making a strong case.
An operational spaceport would provide the whole of the UK, and indeed European neighbours as well, with a key piece of infrastructure for the aerospace industry. Aerospace is recognised as a growth area for the UK economy, with a track record of growth and clear potential for the future. Small and innovative Scottish companies have been establishing a presence in the sector and demonstrating their own potential.
Spaceport Scotland is an initiative by people, companies and organisations in the north to stimulate interest in the possible use of a Scottish location for the UK's first operational spaceport. Such a development would have a huge significance for the economy of Scotland. It's not simply the skilled jobs, the opportunities for hi-tech supplies and services, and the boost for tourism. It's the spreading of the spirit of exploration and adventure that has so often been a driving force in science, technology, business and life. You can find out more about what's going on in space and what could happen in Scotland.
Stuart McIntyre last year established Prestwick Spaceport Consortium to drive forward the Ayrshire bid. He worked in the past as management for British Aerospace before moving on to work with medical hi-tech start-ups in England. He is also the grandson of David Fowler McIntyre, founder of Scottish Aviation Ltd and Prestwick Airport itself.
His response to the consultation, published today with those of the other potential locations, sets out detailed answers to the CAA’s questions. He tackles all the key points and outlines Prestwick’s many advantages, including its long runway which can take the biggest jets and the largest specialist freight planes. The airport was a frequent training location for Concorde crews.
Find our more: http://www.prestwickspaceport.com/