
Shetland Spaceport – getting ready to launch
It is reported that Shetland’s spaceport is nearing official recognition as it gets into position to launch satellites into orbit.
With an impressive track record spanning more than 30 years, MacRoberts advises clients on the full range of legal matters relating to their space and transport-related projects.
The space sector is considered a key priority for the Scottish Government. Scotland is currently the largest manufacturer of small satellites in Europe and has ambitious plans to grow its space industry, including the delivery of a dedicated launch capability by summer 2023, the creation of over 20,000 jobs and securing £4 billion of the global space market by 2030.
The Scottish Government is committed to this plan whilst maintaining its commitment to end Scotland's contribution to global climate change by 2045. There is a real appetite in Scotland to develop space sustainability and maintain the safety and health of the space environment and, as such, the creation of a regulatory framework governing the expansion into space is vital.
The legal requirements for those in the space industry will call on several disciplines including renewables, energy, construction, intellectual property and commercial contracts – to name a few.
As a full-service law firm, we advise clients on all aspects of their space and transport-related projects, including regulatory matters, operational estates, leases and income opportunities, planning and other consents, environmental issues, procurement, construction contracts, data protection, asset and project finance, tax, employment, dispute resolution and health and safety.
Please contact a member of our team to find out how we can support you in your space and transport-related projects.
It is reported that Shetland’s spaceport is nearing official recognition as it gets into position to launch satellites into orbit.
The UK Space Agency has announced that it will invest £1.6 million on Mars Day, in an attempt to facilitate safe and efficient travel to Mars by utilising the supplies and technologies available in space to sustain the spacecraft and astronauts.
The Scottish space sector has shown its continued commitment to eco-friendly space activity through the recent publication of ‘’Space Sustainability: A Roadmap for Scotland’’, which sets out a plan towards a more sustainable Scottish space sector through a series of short, medium and long-term work packages.
There is currently a great drive around the world to develop environmental practices and sustainability in multiple sectors, and the space sector is no exception. There is a real appetite in Scotland to develop space sustainability and maintain the safety and health of the space environment.
In recent years, Scotland has seen a sharp rise in the number of jobs within the space sector and makes up for one fifth of the space workforce within the UK, according to a report by the UK space agency.
It is the beginning of a new age, with the Scottish Government very recently announcing a new strategy in a move to secure a £4 billion share of the global space market for the Scottish economy.
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