Read on Twitter
The Present and the Future in UK Space Capabilites, a thread:
Why is space important?
Simply put, space is the future. A gateway for upcoming Lunar and Martian exploration, it also plays a huge part in how we live our lives today, through things such as technology,
Why is space important?
Simply put, space is the future. A gateway for upcoming Lunar and Martian exploration, it also plays a huge part in how we live our lives today, through things such as technology,
As well as providing a significant insight into how we live our lives and the changing world around us.
Access to space is also unsurprisingly in demand, which is why in 2019, Prime Minister Elect Boris Johnson made a pledge, to give the United Kingdom the opportunity to build
Access to space is also unsurprisingly in demand, which is why in 2019, Prime Minister Elect Boris Johnson made a pledge, to give the United Kingdom the opportunity to build
A rocket launch capability, that would not only be the first in Europe, but a chance to rival the likes of SpaceX and Rocket Lab in the future, ultimately creating a positive multiplier effect in Britain, through investment and tourism.
A number of potential sites have since
A number of potential sites have since
Been outlined for launch locations, with 2 in Scotland, providing the vertical launch capability and Newquay Airport in Cornwall, which will provide the UKs Horizontal launch capability in the form of Virgin Orbit, whom aim to launch their 'launcher one' orbital class rocket
From their popular, modified Boeing 747, 'Cosmic Girl' in 2022.
Virgin Orbit have confirmed the move to the UK, shortly after their recent success during the Demo-2 misson, 2 weeks ago, in the hope that the first launch from the UK will take place in early 2022, which is
Virgin Orbit have confirmed the move to the UK, shortly after their recent success during the Demo-2 misson, 2 weeks ago, in the hope that the first launch from the UK will take place in early 2022, which is
Being eagerly anticipated.
The Scottish Spaceport situation is a little more complex.
In 2018 the original vertical launch site was planned in Sutherland, and would be home to the UKs first orbital rocket launches, by Orbex Space and Lockheed Martin, however, in August 2020
The Scottish Spaceport situation is a little more complex.
In 2018 the original vertical launch site was planned in Sutherland, and would be home to the UKs first orbital rocket launches, by Orbex Space and Lockheed Martin, however, in August 2020
Lockheed Martin pulled out of the Sutherland Space Port programme, and instead pursued a new plan to launch from Shetland. At this time, Orbex and Skyrora aim to launch from Sutherland, whereas a number of other companies, such as C6 Launch Systems and Hyimpulse Space aim to
Launch from Shetland, as since Lockheed announced that they would join the Shetland Space Programme (in the form of ABL Space) there has been a large amount of interest from both British based and overseas operators.
The Government has also allocated a large amount of funding
The Government has also allocated a large amount of funding
For a number of other locations, such as Glasgow Prestwick Airport for horizontal launches and suborbital launches and we could *very possibly* be looking at a Virgin Galactic move in the near future.
So what can we expect in the next 12 months?
So what can we expect in the next 12 months?
Testing. Lots and lots of testing. Its an obvious component in a successful space operation and we'll likely see a number of engine runs and derisking programmes.
Skyrora aims to launch its 'L' vehicle, which is the final step before they launch their orbital 'XL' rocket in
Skyrora aims to launch its 'L' vehicle, which is the final step before they launch their orbital 'XL' rocket in
2022, the 'L' is a suborbital rocket *just* that will test materials and systems that will fly next year, the benefit of this particular launch is that it doesn't need fixed infrastructure, so see the Skyrora website for more information. Its pretty cool. And of course its
Not just Skyrora who will be testing, as a number of companies such as Orbex and Black Arrow (which will launch off an offshore platform, proper bond stuff) will also be making extensive progress towards a launch in 2022.
Construction of both the Sutherland and Shetland Ports
Construction of both the Sutherland and Shetland Ports
Are due to start within the next few weeks, and will hopefully be complete by the end of 2021/early 2022.
We're also likely to see another couple of startup and experienced space firms that will *hopefully* sign agreements to launch from Britain.
We're also likely to see another couple of startup and experienced space firms that will *hopefully* sign agreements to launch from Britain.
Another thing to expect is additional funding and investment from the Government and TNCs, which will give further advancement to the rapidly growing UK Space Sector.
Orbex Space 
( @orbexspace) - Sutherland 
Skyrora ( @Skyrora_Ltd) - Sutherland
C6 Launch Systems
( @c6launch) - Shetland
ABL Space
( @ablspacesystems) - Shetland
Hyimpulse Space
( @HyImpulseTech) - Shetland
Black Arrow Space ( @BlackArrowSpace) - Offshore
( @orbexspace) - Sutherland Skyrora
( @Skyrora_Ltd) - Sutherland C6 Launch Systems
( @c6launch) - Shetland ABL Space
( @ablspacesystems) - Shetland Hyimpulse Space
( @HyImpulseTech) - Shetland Black Arrow Space ( @BlackArrowSpace) - Offshore
Virgin Orbit ( @VirginOrbit) - Cornwall 
Suborbital:
GU Rocketry ( @GU_Rocketry) - Glasgow
Possible additions to this list in the future:
Rocket Lab
( @RocketLab) - Shetland (?)
Virgin Galactic ( @virgingalactic) - Prestwick
( @VirginOrbit) - Cornwall Suborbital:
GU Rocketry ( @GU_Rocketry)
- Glasgow Possible additions to this list in the future:
Rocket Lab
( @RocketLab) - Shetland (?)Virgin Galactic
( @virgingalactic) - Prestwick
Credit goes to @Skyrora_Ltd, @HyImpulseTech, @BlackArrowSpace and @esa for the pics.
I apologise if I've missed anything or if this thread seems like a brief overview, believe me that was the intention, as you could write a short book on this topic, anyways thanks for reading!
I apologise if I've missed anything or if this thread seems like a brief overview, believe me that was the intention, as you could write a short book on this topic, anyways thanks for reading!
Feel free to correct me on anything in this thread.
Certainly some exciting times ahead for the UK..
Certainly some exciting times ahead for the UK.
.
