Spirit AeroSystems sign MoU with Astraius
Spirit AeroSystems and Astraius have announced a collaboration to enhance future satellite launch capabilities from Prestwick Spaceport.
Prestwick Spaceport, a joint partnership between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire…
Spirit AeroSystems and Astraius have announced a collaboration to enhance future satellite launch capabilities from Prestwick Spaceport.
Prestwick Spaceport, a joint partnership between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire Council, aims to become Europe’s premier location for carrying small satellites into orbit via “air launch,” a proven technique that enables a rocket to reach space after being launched from an aircraft that has flown out to an ideal location over the ocean.
Spirit and Astraius – both located within Prestwick’s developing space cluster – are working to advance and accelerate the system components and key processes required for the Astraius horizontal launch platform.
The UK government has made orbital launch a key priority, with the National Space Strategy outlining plans to secure an increased portion of a global space economy expected to be worth £490bn by 2030.
Space sector
The space sector in the UK already employs over 45,000 people, with Scotland accounting for one-fifth of that figure.
Scott McLarty, Spirit Senior Vice President, Airbus and Regional/Business Jet Programs, said Spirit’s sites in both Scotland and Northern Ireland are well placed to support and develop a robust and sustainable space sector.
Astraius’ horizontal launch solution leverages the accessibility of C-17 transport aircraft, combining innovative technology with proven delivery platforms that removes the reliance on individually modified aircraft and increases responsiveness.
The company brings together an international team with experience in commercial space launch and operations, to offer an affordable solution that caters to the growing demand for payloads designed to carry out a variety of tasks from orbit, such as monitoring climate change and supporting disaster relief efforts.
Long-term partnership
Astraius Chief Executive Officer Kevin Seymour stated: “This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first step in what I’m confident will be a long-term partnership with Spirit AeroSystems.
“Spirit’s advanced manufacturing expertise and world-class facilities can significantly bolster our development roadmap, bringing together UK engineering excellence with proven horizontal launch technology.”
Ian Annett, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the UK Space Agency, said: “We are committed to becoming the leading provider of commercial small satellite launches in Europe by 2030 and we welcome the partnership between Spirit AeroSystems and Astraius, which brings Astraius another step closer towards conducting a launch from the UK.”
Photo left to right: Scott McLarty, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; President, Commercial at Spirit AeroSystems – Ivan McKee, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism, and Enterprise – Kevin Seymour, Chief Executive Officer at Astraius
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