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The geography of the UK isn't really suitable for space launches. You want to launch eastwards to benefit from the rotation of the Earth, and (unless you're Chi

The geography of the UK isn't really suitable for space launches. You want to launch eastwards to benefit from the rotation of the Earth, and (unless you're China) you don't want to launch over land in case your rocket fails. Launch sites further south might also be preferable as they have better access to low inclination orbits (though for polar orbits you'd prefer northern launch sites). There's no good location in the UK that satisfies all these. Btw, the US does most of its launches from Floria for much the same reasons.

bagels 4y ago
Lots of stuff in sso and other high inclination, at least uk latitude is ok for those, I'd imagine.
Reason077 4y ago
> “The geography of the UK isn't really suitable for space launches.” Scotland is actually a pretty good location for polar and sun-synchronous (SSO) orbits. You can do coastal launches over the sea, while still being relatively close to populated regions with good transport link and infrastructure. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48119118.amp https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48119118.amp
- philipwhiuk 4y ago
  Mediocre transport links and infrastructure at best. The route to the Highlands site is an A-road in name only - it's one way for most of the route. The nearest train station is about 15 miles away. The route to the Shetlands site is a prop plane or a ferry and then a decent drive on fairly minor roads including another ferry.
  - smackay 4y ago
    The only way by road into the Moine Peninsula would be along the A836 up through the centre of Sutherland. You'd probably need to upgrade the entire length of road to be able to accommodate heavy loads and take out any tight turns. Possibly more practical would be to build a port in Loch Eriboll and ship absolutely everything in. The expense, in either case, would be eye-watering. In short that BBC article is one long on imagination and short on everything else.

bagels 4y ago

Lots of stuff in sso and other high inclination, at least uk latitude is ok for those, I'd imagine.

Reason077 4y ago

> “The geography of the UK isn't really suitable for space launches.” Scotland is actually a pretty good location for polar and sun-synchronous (SSO) orbits. You can do coastal launches over the sea, while still being relatively close to populated regions with good transport link and infrastructure. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48119118.amp https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48119118.amp

philipwhiuk 4y ago
Mediocre transport links and infrastructure at best. The route to the Highlands site is an A-road in name only - it's one way for most of the route. The nearest train station is about 15 miles away. The route to the Shetlands site is a prop plane or a ferry and then a decent drive on fairly minor roads including another ferry.
- smackay 4y ago
  The only way by road into the Moine Peninsula would be along the A836 up through the centre of Sutherland. You'd probably need to upgrade the entire length of road to be able to accommodate heavy loads and take out any tight turns. Possibly more practical would be to build a port in Loch Eriboll and ship absolutely everything in. The expense, in either case, would be eye-watering. In short that BBC article is one long on imagination and short on everything else.