by Christophe Zola
The UK’s space ambitions have seen contrasting fortunes recently, with a successful satellite launch highlighting the country’s successful participation in Earth observation while a setback at the UK’s first domestic spaceport underscores the challenges of developing new launch capabilities.
On September 5, 2024, the Sentinel-2C satellite successfully lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana, marking another milestone in the Copernicus Earth observation program. The UK played a significant role in the satellite’s development, with Teledyne e2V in Chelmsford providing a crucial sensor and ABSL in Culham supplying batteries. This launch underscores the UK’s continued participation in the Copernicus program, which generates valuable data for disaster response, pollution monitoring, and climate change research. This endeavour is part of a European wide initiative in which the UK participates.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of Copernicus for UK businesses and citizens, highlighting how it supports the space industry and economic growth. The UK Space Agency’s Chief Executive, Dr. Paul Bate, further stressed the country’s commitment to driving forward the use of satellite data for global benefit.
However, the UK’s domestic launch capabilities faced a setback in August when a rocket engine exploded during a test at the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. The test, conducted by German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), was part of preparations for what was hoped to be the UK’s first vertical orbital launch.
The incident occurred during a static fire test of RFA’s first stage, resulting in a fire that engulfed the entire vehicle. While no injuries were reported and the launch pad was secured, the explosion has likely delayed plans for the first orbital launch from UK soil.
This setback comes after SaxaVord CEO Frank Strang had announced in December 2023 that the spaceport had raised approximately £40 million in private investment, with expectations of government support to accelerate the capital works program. The original plan aimed for RFA to conduct the first orbital launch from UK and European soil in late 2024. Silicon Scotland understands that several rocket launch companies are now competing to replace RFA as the first UK orbital launch provider. These are thought to include Lockheed Martin (USA), Hyimpulse (Germany) and Syrora (UK). Some commentators suggest Skyrora with its UK base and facilities may have an edge in getting to the starting-line first. Meanwhile RFA (Germany), insists that its medium term plans remain unaffected by the test failure.
Despite this setback, the UK space sector remains robust, valued at £17.5 billion and supporting around 48,800 jobs across 2,200 companies. The country continues to make strides in other areas of space technology, as evidenced by its involvement in the Copernicus program and its upcoming role as Chair of the Committee on Earth Observing Satellites.The contrasting fortunes of the Copernicus mission and the SaxaVord setback highlight the complexities of the space industry. Viewed by many as a new frontier the risks and rewards are high.
While the UK excels in satellite technology and data utilisation, developing domestic launch capabilities presents its own set of challenges. As the country navigates these hurdles, it remains committed to its space ambitions, balancing international collaboration with the development of homegrown capabilities.
Christophe Zola is a French journalist who specialises in European space innovation and regularly contributes to Silicon Scotland.
