Glasgow Prestwick Airport moves closer to becoming UK spaceport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has moved closer to launching flights into orbit after teaming up with a space plane firm and launch vehicle designer.

The airport has teamed with a space plane firm and launch vehicle designer. Picture: John Devlin

A senior figure behind plans for Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport said it could be up and running with just £1 million of investment.

The spaceport has signed a memo of understanding with California-based space launch vehicle designer XCOR Aerospace and space plane design and operating company Orbital Access Limited.

The move takes it closer to launching manned flights using XCOR’s Lynx space craft, including taking passengers to the edge of space.

Mike Stewart, of spaceport, said the move was “a further step forward in our work to make space launches from our site a reality.”