Cape Canaveral… in WALES? Britain begins the countdown to space with new laws that will allow UK spaceports to launch commercial craft by 2020

  • 'Space Industry Bill' due to go into law today will enable launches from the UK
  • Currently UK companies must launch satellites from spaceports abroad 
  • This exposes British firms to substantial costs, delays and bureaucracy
  • Sites previously earmarked as potential UK spaceport locations include Glasgow, Newquay and Llanbedr in north Wales 

The UK has hit a crucial milestone in its bid to launch spacecraft from British soil by 2020.

The 'Space Industry Bill' due to go into law today will enable launches from UK spaceports to help British firms enjoy quicker and cheaper access to outer space.

Currently UK companies must launch satellites into orbit from spaceports abroad exposing them to substantial costs, delays and bureaucracy.

A number of sites have previously been earmarked as potential Cape Canaveral-style spaceport locations, including Glasgow, Newquay and Llanbedr in north Wales.

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Spaceports, like this artist's rendition, could soon be operational all around the UK. The 'Space Industry Bill' due to go into law today will enable launches from UK spaceports to help British firms enjoy quicker and cheaper access to outer space

Spaceports, like this artist's rendition, could soon be operational all around the UK. The 'Space Industry Bill' due to go into law today will enable launches from UK spaceports to help British firms enjoy quicker and cheaper access to outer space

The new legislation - which will go into law after it receives royal assent today -  lays out a blueprint for rules on safety, liabilities and licensing.

It will be vital if the government is to meet its target of launching the first commercial satellite from Britain by 2020.

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

They could even help rural health workers who use satellite communications to diagnose and assist patients situated far from specialist health services.

The goal is to up Britain's share of the £400 billion-a-year ($560 billion) global space market from 6.5 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030.

The government estimates it will bring in billions of pounds, create hundreds of jobs and broaden Britain's scientific research.

Six sites have been shortlisted for selection for a spaceport in the UK from a possible eight (pictured) first proposed in 2015. However, since then the government has said they would support rules that would allow a spaceport to be built at any suitable location

Six sites have been shortlisted for selection for a spaceport in the UK from a possible eight (pictured) first proposed in 2015. However, since then the government has said they would support rules that would allow a spaceport to be built at any suitable location

WHERE MIGHT THE UK'S FIRST SPACEPORTS BE?

The government is set to decide later this year where Britain's first spaceport will be.

Six sites have previously been earmarked as potential spaceport locations, including Glasgow, Newquay and Llanbedr in north Wales. 

Each project has joined forces with space firms such as Lockheed and Martin to bid for funding. 

1) Campbeltown Airport (Scotland)

2) Glasgow Prestwick Airport (Scotland)

3) Newquay Cornwall Airport (England)

4) RAF Leuchars (Scotland)

5) Stornorway Airport (Scotland)

6) Snowdonia Aerospace Centre (Wales)

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This means British scientists will be able to conduct vital experiments in zero gravity which could help develop vaccines and medicines.

Antibiotics grow differently where there is no gravity and so the move has the potential to help scientists conduct revolutionary research.

The flights could also carry out hundreds of vital scientific experiments on medical issues such as ageing and the human body.

Transport Minister Jo Johnson said: 'The Space Industry Bill gives companies the ability to launch satellites from UK soil, putting us at the forefront of the new space race, and helping us to compete as the destination of choice for satellite companies worldwide.'

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is one of four sites in Scotland vying for a spaceport. Pictured is an artist's impression of the Prestwick Spaceport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is one of four sites in Scotland vying for a spaceport. Pictured is an artist's impression of the Prestwick Spaceport

The new legislation - which will go into law after it receives royal assent today - lays out a blueprint for rules on safety, liabilities and licensing. Pictured is an artist's impression of Campbeltown Spaceport runway

The new legislation - which will go into law after it receives royal assent today - lays out a blueprint for rules on safety, liabilities and licensing. Pictured is an artist's impression of Campbeltown Spaceport runway

The bill also opens the doors for a British space tourism industry, though the government has said it has no current plans to create the regulatory framework needed for passenger flights.

The government is set to decide later this year where Britain's first spaceport will be, with six sites included in the running. 

Each project has joined forces with space firms such as Lockheed and Martin to bid for funding.

Jules Matteoni, operations director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, one of four possible sites in Scotland, said: 'This means we will be able to offer horizontal launches of orbital and sub-orbital missions for satellite launches, micro-gravity experiments and passenger spaceflight experiences.

Today's bill will be vital if the government is to meet its target of launching the first commercial satellite from Britain by 2020. This image shows an artist's impression of the interior of Glasgow Prestwick Airport's proposed spaceport

Today's bill will be vital if the government is to meet its target of launching the first commercial satellite from Britain by 2020. This image shows an artist's impression of the interior of Glasgow Prestwick Airport's proposed spaceport

Up until now UK companies have been reliant on space ports in other European countries, such as this one in French Guiana 

Up until now UK companies have been reliant on space ports in other European countries, such as this one in French Guiana 

The space sector already employs thousands in the UK and supports industries worth £250 billion to the economy 

The space sector already employs thousands in the UK and supports industries worth £250 billion to the economy 

'As soon as the Space Industry Bill is enacted and a regulatory framework is in place, we will seek to apply for a licence and expect to become the first fully operational, licensed spaceport in the UK and Europe.'

Other possible spaceport locations include Newquay Cornwall Airport, Snowdonia, and Campbeltown Airport, RAF Leuchars and Stornorway Airport in Scotland.

Speaking on today's bill, Lockheed Martin said: 'We fully support the work that the UK government is doing to build an indigenous satellite launch capability that will enable affordable access to space in a timely manner for UK and international customers.' 

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