The Space Industry Bill, which aims to create a regulatory framework to allow commercial spaceflight activities to be carried out from UK launch sites, received its third reading in the House of Lords last night.
Prestwick is amongst those airports vying to become the Europe's first operational spaceport. It is hoped spaceflights will generate new business opportunities for technology and tourism.
The Bill, which now goes to the House of Commons for further consideration, would enable new satellite launch services and low gravity spaceflight from the UK.
Commenting, Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
"We are now one step closer to a commercial space age.
“Estimates from the 2014 Spaceport UK report shows it has the potential to realise £320 million of additional economic activity for Ayrshire, creating jobs and attracting investment.
“The UK Tory Government now needs to stop dragging its feet on delivering an Ayrshire Growth Deal and work with the SNP Government to help fund the infrastructure and skills base across Ayrshire to maximise the economic benefits securing the spaceport would provide.”
ENDS
