Shortlist of UK spaceport locations revealed

Speaking at the Farnborough Air Show, aviation minister Robert Goodwill and chief executive of the UK Space Agency Dr David Parker revealed findings of a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) report highlighting airfields that could host a spaceport and the economic opportunities they could bring with them. The spaceport would be the first of its kind outside America and the government wants to have it up and running by 2018. The hope is that it will establish the UK as a leader in the space market. In a statement, Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Space is big business for the UK. It already contributes £11.3billion to the economy each year, supporting nearly 35,000 jobs. "That's why it's important for us to prepare the UK for new launcher technology and take steps towards meeting our ambition of establishing the first British spaceport by 2018. "Exploring the opportunities that commercial spaceflight presents, and potentially making strategic investments in this area, will support the growth of this thriving industry and underpin the economy of tomorrow, making the UK the place for space." The eight coastal locations that have been shortlisted include: • Campbeltown Airport (Scotland) • Glasgow Prestwick Airport (Scotland) • Llanbedr Airport (Wales) • Newquay Cornwall Airport (England) • Kinloss Barracks (Scotland) • RAF Leuchars (Scotland) • RAF Lossiemouth (Scotland) • Stornorway Airport (Scotland) The Department for Transport will now consult on the criteria the CAA has identified that will make a location suitable for a spaceport. In addition to meteorological, environmental and economic factors, these include: the ability to accommodate dedicated segregated airspace to manage spaceflights safely; an existing runway which is, or is capable of being extended to, over 3000m in length; and a reasonable distance from densely populated areas.