Three planned spaceports to boost UK's tourism and economy

New research reveals how three planned in Cornwall, Sutherland and Glasgow are to hugely contribute towards the UK's economy and tourism opportunities. Spaceport Cornwall to add new 'point of interest' for people looking to visit Newquay and the surrounding areas.

The average rate of return per £1 of investment into earth observation applications is between £2-£4, or up to £12 if spillover is accounted for.

This contribution could grow to a staggering £1.4 billion if spillover effects are taken into account. Three planned spaceports in Cornwall and Scotland could contribute up to £1.407 billion to the economy if the wider spillover effects are taken into account, new research shows.

Anaylsis carried out by local holiday cottages provider Stay in Cornwall reveals that the planned spaceport in Newquay could provide £80 million to the UK economy, based on the average return of £4 per £1 of public investment into the project.

Space Hub Sutherland could bring in £69.2 million with the same return on investment applied, while GlasgowSpaceport could return a staggering £320 million, based on the £80 million in funding provided for Prestwick Airport.

The research finds that public investments in space produce higher returns on average than typical innovation investments. For earth observation applications, £1 of investment provides an average direct return of £2-£4, while telecoms brings £6-£7 and navigation returns £4-£5.

The Spaceport Case File collates official reports to reveal the potential economic, environmental and academic impact of Spaceport Cornwall, whereby the site will play a cruical role in supporting the UK’s satellite launches.

This potential return on investment could be even higher if the UK maintains its membership with the EuropeanSpace Agency, which brings £3-£4 of direct return per £1 of funding. In 2018, European Union-funded programmes accounted for £372 million - equivalent to 2.5% of total industry income.

With a reported seven sites pursuing spaceport status in the UK in Scotland, Wales and England, the return on global small launch investment could be as high as £1.784 billion if the remaining five sites receive the same funding as Sutherland.

Commenting on the results, Shannon Keary, Communications Manager of Stay in Cornwall said: “As a holiday provider for the local area, we feel that Spaceport Cornwall is an extremely interesting and unique point of interest for people looking to visit Newquay and the surrounding areas.

“Our findings show the many benefits that the spaceport will have on both the local community and for the UK's economy as a whole. This includes how the spaceport is expected to support the UK's government plans to capitalise on the predicted £10 billion global launch market, as well as its huge potential for return on investment when it comes to potential tourism, research capabilities and employment.”

As well as providing up to £80 million - or £240 million with spillover - to the UK economy, Spaceport Cornwall is also expected to create 448 jobs and £200 million of GVA (gross value added).