Scotland’s space industry goals have come a step closer as Glasgow Prestwick Airport as signed a deal with Astraius for the development of the Prestwick Spaceport, reports the spaceport and the International Airport Review.

The agreement brings together proven horizontal launch technology, which allows the release of a rocket carrying small satellites from high altitude, with a world class spaceport development, in response to a growing demand from customers. The global satellite market is booming, with operators of technology no larger than a shoebox looking to access ‘Low Earth Orbit’ (LEO) to carry out activities that include monitoring climate change, tracking deforestation and identifying illegal fishing or mining activities around the globe.

This announcement will substantially bolster Scotland’s space industry ambitions. Glasgow already manufactures more small satellites than anywhere in the world outside of California, while Edinburgh has positioned itself as the space data capital of European Union leading on the analysis of space-derived data to bring a range of benefits to a variety of business sectors, the environment and wider society.

South Ayrshire Council, a key partner in the development of Prestwick Spaceport, secured £80 million of investment for the existing Prestwick Aerospace hub – Scotland’s largest – as part of the wider £250 million Ayrshire Growth Deal funding. The £80 million funding will be invested in infrastructure and is expected to create up to 4,000 new high-quality jobs.

“Prestwick Spaceport will have a hugely positive impact on local communities in South Ayrshire,” said Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council.

“Bringing a wide range of skilled jobs and a vibrant supply chain to the local area, the spaceport not only offers significant economic benefits, but will create opportunities for young people to have exciting careers. The spaceport, like all other Ayrshire Growth Deal projects – such as a new Aerospace and Space Innovation Centre at Prestwick – will be delivered on Community Wealth Building principles. Based on inclusive growth, this will ensure that local people are given the chance to develop skills so they can participate in the future economy.”