Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has welcomed the announcement by the Government that they are launching a £10m scheme looking for bids for grants from interested commercial applicants to pave the way for the UK’s first Space Port.
Commenting, Steve said:
“Cornwall Airport Newquay has been heavily tipped as a potential location for the Space Port and making this a reality is something I have been working with the excellent management team there, as well as colleagues both locally and in Westminster to bring about.”
“With this announcement, along with its recent continued growth and the potential benefits of the Heathrow expansion, it is clear that Cornwall Airport Newquay is at an exciting place right now.”
“I look forward to supporting the bid for Newquay and will continue to champion Cornwall as the best location for the UK Spaceport as we continue to explore and innovate in the field of space travel.”
Commenting on Thursday, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, said:
“We intend to publish a draft spaceflight bill later this month, dedicated to commercial spaceflight in the UK. This legislation will be fundamental to enabling small-satellite launches and sub-orbital flights from the UK, ensuring the UK is well placed to take advantage of a growing global market. The government’s intention is to introduce this Bill formally early in the next session, following a period of scrutiny and engagement with industry and other interest groups.”
“The space sector is vital to the future of the UK economy, with a strong record of creating high-value jobs and generating wealth across the country. To help the creation of the space launch market in the UK, the UK Space Agency is inviting commercial space consortia to apply for grant funding to take the action that will make our ambitions a reality.”
“Together, the proposed legislation and grant funding announced today will have the potential to enable commercial spaceflight from a UK spaceport by 2020.”