QinetiQ Ltd Spaceport 1 Scolpaig North Uist

This proposal is for a Permanent change to the notified airspace design, and the change level is 1.

Spaceport-1 (SP-1) vertical launch rocket site at Scolpaig, North Uist on the Western Isles, is being developed as an opportunity in support of the UK government’s spaceflight programme, ‘LaunchUK’, which aspires to grow the UK’s global market share of the space sector. The site exists beneath Class G airspace but is only a few miles from the MOD Hebrides Range complex EG D701 & EG D704. To provide protection around the Spaceport 1 site and segregate rocket launch activity from other airspace users, there is a requirement for a small segment (or 'fillet') of segregated airspace to be established; this airspace will connect the launch site with the existing EG D701 & EG D704 Danger Areas. SP-1 will then utilise the new airspace 'fillet' and EG D701 Danger Areas under the control and direction of MOD QinetiQ Hebrides Range staff using existing surveillance and communication capabilities to manage the airspace and launch activities. It is expected that the airspace management processes and procedures currently in place could be extended to cover Spaceport 1 activities. The extra ‘fillet’ of airspace required around the Spaceport 1 facility will only be activated for the short periods around rocket launch and even when operating at full capability, it is unlikely the airspace will be activated more than circa three to four times per month. It should be noted that the affected area has been re-drawn to reflect the fact only sub-orbital rockets will be launched from SP-1 not sub-orbital as described in the original statement of need. The affected area is more detailed and accurate based on the environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) produced for SP-1.

This is the area which may be affected by this airspace change depending on its development. This area may change as the proposal is developed.