Written question asked by Lord Goodlad (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 October 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 November 2020. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 November 2020 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Spaceflight: Unst

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions have been held between the UK Space Agency and the Shetland Island Council about locating a spaceport on Unst; and what have been the outcomes from any such discussions.

Answer: The UK Space Agency has been in regular contact with Shetland Island Council, as we have been with councils in all potential spaceport locations, to understand their plans to support the Shetland Space Centre. These meetings have ensured a collaborative working relationship between the UK Space Agency and Shetland Island Council, and that the Council is aware of the support and engagement forums offered by Government to enable them to harness the opportunities offered by commercial spaceflight. For example, the UK Space Agency invited Shetland Island Council to attend the Regulation plenary sessions as well as put them in contact with relevant officials who can provide clarity around security considerations relating to engagement with other nations. Furthermore, UK Space Agency officials visited Shetland in October 2019 and received a briefing from the Shetland Island Council on their plans to support the Shetland Space Centre.

Secondary information