Funding from the UK Space Agency will enable the UK鈥檚 first spaceport built in Sutherland.
A proposed vertical launch spaceport in Sutherland has been awarded 拢2.5 million in funding by UK Government body the UK Space Agency.
The site has been selected because Scotland is the best place in the UK to reach satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets.
鈥淎s a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, we want Britain to be the first place in mainland Europe to launch satellites as part of our modern Industrial Strategy,鈥� said 老九品茶 Secretary Greg Clark.
鈥淭he UK鈥檚 thriving space industry, research community and aerospace supply chain put the UK in a leading position to develop both vertical and horizontal launch sites.鈥�
The UK Government is also making available a new 拢2 million fund to boost further horizontal launch spaceport sites across Britain.
The commercial space sector is estimated to be worth a potential 拢3.8 billion to the UK economy over the next decade and will support Britain鈥檚 modern Industrial Strategy by creating high-skilled jobs and boosting local economies.
The Scottish Secretary added: 鈥淭he UK Government is driving the commercial space age and Scotland is leading the way.
鈥淪cotland is uniquely positioned to pilot the UK鈥檚 commercial space sector and the UK Government recognises this potential. The opportunities are considerable, launching a new age for British industry.鈥�