First Satellite Launch from Prestwick Spaceport Gains Industry Support
The first satellite launch from Prestwick Spaceport will be supported by two industry leaders and strategic suppliers.
“This move is intrinsic in our plans to build a truly global space industry here in Prestwick."
Mick O’Connor, Program Director of Prestwick Spaceport.
UK-based, horizontal launch company Astraius has partnered with Northrop Grumman and Exquadrum, which will provide the rocket motors for the mission scheduled to launch from Glasgow's Prestwick Spaceport in 2024.
Northrop Grumman has been selected as the first and second stage motor supplier, and Exquadrum will provide the upper-stage motor. Northrop Grumman’s Orion solid rocket motors will boost the Astraius launch vehicle after its extraction from the unmodified C-17 carrier aircraft. Completing the mission, Exquadrum’s Astraius upper stage will precisely place satellites in their intended orbits.
“This is a hugely exciting moment for Astraius. We have a winning combination of proven launch and propulsion systems paired with exquisite rocket motor technology to produce a world-class capability," said Sir George Zambellas, Chairman of Astraius. "When coupled with Prestwick Spaceport’s state-of-the-art launch vehicle and payload integration facilities, Scotland will be the UK’s leader for responsive space launch.”
Prestwick Spaceport will play an important role in the creation of up to 4,000 local aerospace and space jobs for Scotland and will help nurture and develop the skills needed to keep the UK at the forefront of what is a globally growing industry for years to come.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a highly significant infrastructure asset which helps to support more than 4,000 jobs in the west of Scotland. Prestwick Aerospace is the heart of Scotland’s aerospace industry, with over 50% of the country’s aerospace workforce employed at the site. Prestwick Aerospace is already the largest aerospace cluster in Scotland providing extensive employment for the local community.
“This move is intrinsic in our plans to build a truly global space industry here in Prestwick," said Mick O’Connor, Program Director of Prestwick Spaceport. “Collaborating with two heavyweight, industry leading companies to work alongside Astraius in developing our spaceport offerings shows real confidence and that we really mean business.
“This partnership will ensure that we are offering state-of-the-art launch capabilities which will drive investment and jobs into the area. We remain firmly on track to have the first launch ready for 2024 and the potential for this spaceport to completely reinvent the economies of both Ayrshire and Scotland.”
The new partnerships for the first satellite launch announced by Astraius moves Prestwick Spaceport one step closer to being fully operational as the team continues to build upon its offers.
(Image provided joint news release. Pictured [L-R] Sir George Zambellas, Chairman of Astraius; Ian Annett, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency and Mick O’Connor, Program Director of Prestwick Spaceport)