Also provides funding for medical studies on the effects of commercial suborbital space flight.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reported that around 350 licenses have been granted to companies in the space sector from July 2021, as part of their commitment to boost the industry and, above all, the next local launch.
“We continue to play our part to develop the space industry and that is an important part of our commitment to the industry,” said Rob Bishton, CAA Joint Acting Executive Director.
“We are constantly working with industry to review and improve our processes to ensure the UK space sector is safe, sustainable and successful. As the UK space regulator, our role is to enable and support the sector so that it can become a leader in the world.
In addition, the CAA also monitors over 750 British satellites in space.
It should be recalled that last year it awarded the first British license for a spaceport and launch, supporting the deployment and stability of the OneWeb satellite constellation, the largest in the world.
In addition, there are another 25 applications in various stages of the pipeline from spaceport applicants and launch and satellite operators, including some from Scottish companies.
It is also in contact with 20 other potential applicants, including three British spaceports.
As part of its space regulatory role, it also funds the Royal Air Force and King’s College London as well as medical studies on the effects of commercial suborbital spaceflight.
On a visit to the Scottish space sector, Paul Smith and Rob Bishton, the regulator’s interim joint chief executive, met with key people at Skyrora. The two saw firsthand the work being done by a Glasgow-based space rocket manufacturer, which has developed its own eco-friendly fuel, EcoSene, made from plastic waste.
According to the Scottish Government, it is estimated that Scotland’s space sector could generate £4 billion for the Scottish economy by 2030, as well as create 20,000 jobs in the sector.
“The UK’s space sector is flourishing and Scotland is set to be at the heart of the UK’s future space ambitions. Scottish engineers and scientists are helping to drive the technology and innovation needed to help put the UK on the world map do.” booming space industry,” Biston said.
