THE GREAT BRITISH LIFT-OFF - UK SPACEPORTS Q&A WITH SPACE COMMAND CHIEF THE SPACE SKILLS GAP - PUTTING THE UK ON THE GLOBAL SPACEFLIGHT MAP ...
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May 2021
AEROSPACE
UK SPACEPORTS
Q&A WITH SPACE
COMMAND CHIEF
THE SPACE SKILLS
GAP
www.aerosociety.com
May 2021
Volume 48 Number 5
The UK Space special issue
THE GREAT BRITISH LIFT-OFF
Royal Aeronautical Society
PUTTING THE UK ON THE GLOBAL SPACEFLIGHT MAP
RAeS President's Conference: UK in the 2020s - An Emerging Space Power 19 - 20 May 2021 I Virtual Join us for this exciting conference which will focus on current and evolving market trends in the global space sector, how these will shape the international business ecosystem in the 2020's, and in what areas the UK can take commercial leadership. Keynote Speakers Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation Will Whitehorn, President, UKspace Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Chair of the UAE Space Agency Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth, Director Space, UK MOD Graham Turnock, Chief Executive Officer, UK Space Agency Tickets RAeS Member: £70+VAT Non Member: £110+VAT RAeS Corporate Partner: £90+VAT RAeS Student/Apprentice Affiliate Member: £20+VAT Student/Apprentice: £25+VAT LEAD SPONSOR SPONSORS Find out more and book your place www.aerosociety.com/presconfspace
Volume 48 Number 5
May 2021
EDITORIAL Contents
UK reaches for the stars Regulars
4 Radome 12 Transmission
It would not be surprising to learn that the late Duke of Edinburgh, the Society’s The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets
Hon President in 1966, with his keen interest in engineering and as a holder of aeronautical intelligence, and social media feedback.
analysis and comment.
a helicopter pilot licence, would have found the first flight of a small helicopter 66 The Last Word
on Mars last month fascinating – and it is sad to note in his passing he just 11 Pushing the Envelope Keith Hayward on the
missed this historic ‘Wright Brothers’ achievement by NASA. Nearer to Earth, Rob Coppinger considers importance of human
how in-orbit manufacturing spaceflight as an inspiration
only 20 years ago the idea of a UK rocket launching a UK payload from UK could revolutionise the for the next generation of
soil was something that usually ended up in the ‘and finally’ oddity slot in TV development of advanced engineers and astronauts.
news, inviting people to laugh at crackpot garage inventors aiming to compete spacecraft.
with NASA. Today, it is no laughing matter and, as this special ‘UK space’ Features
issue, ahead of the RAeS President’s Conference on ‘UK in the 2020s, an 30 Plane Speaking
Lockheed Martn
emerging space power’ later this month, there are multiple spaceports and An interview with AVM Paul
launch companies attempting to do just that – returning Britain into the club Godfrey, commander of the
of space-launching nations that it left almost 50 years ago in October 1971. 14 UK’s newly created Space
Command.
Today, the barriers to entry of developing, building and operating space assets
have fallen considerably, opening up new opportunities and at the same time 34 Launching Britain into
new challenges. However, as exciting as rocket launches and spaceports may space
be, this edition of AEROSPACE shows that they are only a part of the UK’s fast The growing number of rocket
The Magnificent Seven companies aiming to launch
growing and dynamic space ecosystem that encompasses everything from Seven sites in Scotland, Wales from the UK into space.
space debris removal to a key role in another landmark Mars mission – that and England have applied for
licences to operate as UK
of sample return. Meanwhile in military space, the formation of UK’s Space spaceports. 38 Local heroes
Command (p 30) presages a more muscular approach to orbital matters. Yet, Airbus Defence and Space has
20 Space to 2030 big plans for the development
while the hardware is important, it may be that the UK’s biggest contribution to A look forward to the missions of the UK’s presence in space.
maintaining peace in space may be in its diplomatic ‘soft power’ and influence and anticipated technological
as a key coalition partner and ally in setting and highlighting international norms developments over the next
decade and how the UK might
for this common resource, on which so much of modern society depends. get involved. 44
24 Commence ignition
Tim Robinson FRAeS, Editor-in-Chief
The UK is developing unique
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com @RAeSTimR niches for space propulsion.
Google
Correspondence on all aerospace matters is welcome at: publications@aerosociety.com
26 44 Taking control
Editor-in-Chief Editorial Office 2021 AEROSPACE subscription How operators are controlling
Tim Robinson, FRAeS Royal Aeronautical Society rates: Non-members, £190 satellites from ground stations
+44 (0)20 7670 4353 No.4 Hamilton Place To place your order, contact: in the UK.
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com London W1J 7BQ, UK Wayne J Davis
+44 (0)20 7670 4300
Deputy Editor +44 (0)20 7670 4354 48 The new UK space
NASA
publications@aerosociety.com aerosubs@aerosociety.com
Bill Read, FRAeS industrial base
+44 (0)20 7670 4351 www.aerosociety.com Any member not requiring a print The UK space industry has
bill.read@aerosociety.com AEROSPACE is published by the Royal version of this magazine should The UK space skills gap moved on from conventional
Aeronautical Society (RAeS). contact: membership@aerosociety.com
Production Manager Addressing space sector satellites to embrace the
Wayne J Davis, FRAeS Chief Executive USA: Periodical postage paid at
Sir Brian Burridge CBE FRAeS Champlain New York and additional
recruitment and retainment. challenges of New Space.
+44 (0)20 7670 4354
wayne.davis@aerosociety.com Advertising offices.
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partners@aerosociety.com
Postmaster: Send address changes
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Unless specifically attributed, no 54 Message from our President
chris.male@aerosociety.com material in AEROSPACE shall be taken ISSN 2052-451X
Production Executive to represent the opinion of the RAeS. 55 Message from our Chief Executive
Annabel Hallam Reproduction of material used in this 56 Book Reviews
+44 (0)20 7670 4361 publication is not permitted without the
annabel.hallam@aerosociety.com written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. 59 Library Additions
Book Review Editors Printed by Buxton Press Limited, 60 Tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh
Tony Pilmer and Katrina Sudell Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire
book.reviews@aerosociety.com SK17 6AE, UK 62 RAeS Diary
Original artwork 63 New Member Spotlight
©Wayne J Davis/RAeS Distributed by Royal Mail
64 Elections
Additional content is available to view online at: aerosociety.com/aerospaceinsight
Read AEROSPACE and the insight blog on your
Including: UK spaceports, Business passengers return to the air, Risk management of mental health
in civil aviation, Airline pilot training, New Member Spotlight, Implications of the UK defence and
smartphone or tablet with the AEROSPACE app.
Online security review, AI and the future of air combat, An analysis of the Celera 500L aircraft design. APP available from iTunes and Google Play
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com MAY 2021 13
Blueprint
INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT
STOL
performance
The twin-boom, straight wing
configuration would give STOL
capabilities, allowing the
FLEXCRAFT to operate from
austere and remote airstrips.
Hybrid-electric
Propulsion would come from
four electric engines mounted
on the wing, with a piston
engine mounted in the centre
wingbox. Noise levels from
the electric engines would be
kept low.
GENERAL AVIATION
FLEXCRAFT wins award
STOL modular aircraft concept FLEXCRAFT, the product of an Embraer ccollaboration, has
received an International Design Award in the Transport Design Category. The concept is the
brainchild of a Portuguese consortium led by Sociedade de Engenharia e Transformação, that
brought together Embraer Portugal, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Almadesign, Instituto de
Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial (INEGI), plus support
Embraer
from Embraer Brazil.
4 AEROSPACE
Specifications
Cruise speed 400kph
Range 400km
Wingspan 13-15m
MTOW 3.5tonne
Payload 1tonne
Modular pods
FLEXCRAFT would see multi-mission pods
for VIP, passenger, cargo or air ambulance
missions which could be quickly swapped
around for maximum versatility. The
integrated wing would be able to fly
separately.
Remotely piloted
The FLEXCRAFT would be
remotely piloted and able to
take on a variety of missions,
including passenger and cargo,
civil protection, surveillance,
medevac and agriculture.
MAY 2021 5
Radome
COVID-19
AIR TRANSPORT AEROSPACE
Airlines plan return of superjumbos UK reveals global travel
taskforce roadmap
Qantas
The UK government has quarantine but will need
released details of its to take two Covid tests
Global Travel Taskforce on departure and arrival.
roadmap, which lays out However, the plan drew
recommendations for a criticism from the UK
return to international air aviation and travel sector,
travel from 17 May. The which slammed it for its
recommendations include cautious approach to
a ‘traffic light’ system reopening. Budget carrier
In growing signs of optimism, UK flag carrier British Airways has said that its based on risk of infection, Jet2 went further and
grounded Airbus A380 fleet will return to service. Meanwhile, Australian flag carrier alongside the restrictions extended the grounding of
Qantas has announced that it plans to return all 12 of its currently grounded A380s and additional measures. its fleet until 23 June due to
to service by 2024, joining four other carriers, as well as BA, in putting the aircraft Travellers from ‘green’ a ‘lack of clarity and detail’ in
back into revenue service. countries will not need to the goverment’s plan.
AIR TRANSPORT AEROSPACE
Latest airline bail-outs 32% of global airline fleet still in
storage
Franco-Dutch flag carrier rescue package, the
Air France-KLM has airline has agreed to give
received a €4bn bail-out up 18 daily slots at Paris
from the government Orly airport.
of France to help it Meanwhile, Canadian
weather the Covid-19 flag carrier Air Canada
pandemic crisis. The has secured a rescue
state investment, which deal with the Canadian
may require further funds government worth
before the end of the nearly $4.69bn in loans A recent report from Cirium has revealed that, in February, a total of 21,635
crisis, brings the French and equity. The rescue commercial passenger aircraft were in operation while 10,183 were in storage
state’s stake in the joint package makes the state (equivalent to 32% of the world’s fleet). According to Cirium’s Airline Insights Report
airline to just under 30%. the largest stakeholder 2,937 of aircraft in North America, 3,536 of European aircraft, 619 Latin American-
In order to obtain EU since the 1980s with based aircraft, 1,065 aircraft from the Middle East and Africa and 1,956 aircraft from
approval for this state 9.7% of shares. the Asia-Pacific region were all in storage.
NEWS IN BRIEF
also increase the range system. The MAX had helicopter requirement HAKURO-R programme,
Russia’s Rostec has and payload of aircraft by only returned to service in to replace the RAF will see Japan and the
announced that United 1.3-1.5 times. November after a 20 month Puma fleet. If the bid is UAE become the next
Engine Corporation has grounding due to two fatal successful, production two nations to land a
successfully conducted the US airlines, including crashes. of the A149 could be spacecraft on the Moon
first stage of ground testing Southwest, American moved from Italy to Yeovil, after the US, Russia and
of a pulse detonation and United Airlines, have According to Janes, together with training and China.
engine that promises grounded around 60 Leonardo UK is set to support infrastructure.
up to 50% increase in Boeing 737 MAXs due to unveil a new medium Research conducted by
specific thrust when an electrical power system helicopter demonstrator in The UAE Space Agency private jet broker Colibri
compared to conventional issue. The recommendation May at its Yeovil factory. has signed a contract with Aircraft has found that
jet engines. The PDE to temporarily pull aircraft The helicopter, a civil Japan’s ispace which will the market for pre-owned
from A. Lyukli Design from service was given AW189, will be repainted see a Japanese lander business aircraft in 2020
Bureau has applications by Boeing on 8 April, to black to represent the deliver a UAE lunar rover held up surprisingly well,
for hypersonic aircraft and address a manufacturing similar-sized AW149 to the Moon’s surface given the pandemic, with
space launchers, with the flaw that could affect which is being pitched in 2022. If successful, 2,227 second-hand jets
company saying it would the operation of a power towards the UK’s medium the mission, part of the worth $14.5bn sold last
6 AEROSPACE
DEFENCE AIR TRANSPORT
France bans short-haul air
Korean President’s Office
South Korea rolls out new stealth
fighter travel under 2.5hrs
On 10 April, French see flights from Paris to
lawmakers voted to ban Nantes, Bordeaux and
short-haul domestic air Lyon affected by the
travel under 2.5hrs if the ruling, with connecting
journey can be taken by flights excluded.
train instead. The move Meanwhile, a Twitter poll
is intended to encourage by MoneySavingExpert’s
more sustainable travel Martin Lewis found that
South Korea has officially rolled out the first prototype of the indigenously developed and is a scaled-back of 74,979 votes, 33.7%
stealth fighter, the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-X, now known as the KF-21 version of the original of under-40s and 45.4%
‘Boramae’ (Young Hawk). The prototype was unveiled in a ceremony on 9 April by South plan, which called for all of over-40s supported a
Korean President Mann Jae-in. The twin-engine, twin-tail fighter will replace ageing flights under four hours similar ban on UK flights,
RoKAF F-4E Phantoms and F-5Es in front-line service. First flight is planned for May to be taken by train if with around 10% in both
2022, with a fleet of six aircraft in the testing fleet. IOC is aimed for 2028. possible. The ban will age groups against.
AEROSPACE SPACEFLIGHT
NASA
Project Fresson switches
to hydrogen
The UK Project Fresson technology demonstrator
initiative to develop a green with a first flight in 2022.
propulsion system for the The change in architecture NASA
Britten-Noman BN-2 Islander
has switched its proposed
has meant that Rolls-Royce,
which was to provide
flies
power source from hybrid the power management helicopter
electric to hydrogen fuel
cells which will be fitted to
system, is now to leave
the consortium, together on Mars
the wings. A consortium with Delta Motorsport and
led by Cranfield Aerospace WMG. Engineering services As AEROSPACE goes to press in mid-April, NASA’s JPL mission control received the first
Solutions (CAeS), Project company Ricardo will supply telemetry and then images (above) on 19 April that its Ingenuity Mars helicopter had made
Fresson plans to shortly the fuel cells and Innovatus an historic first ever controlled atmospheric flight on another planet. The 40 second flight,
acquire an Islander platform Technologies the hydrogen saw the tiny contra-rotating rotor helicopter make a short hover to 10ft and return to the
to modify as a zero-carbon storage system. surface. Ingenuity carries a small piece of the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer.
year. This compares to undergoing ground aircraft’ leasing deal with new neutral term refers construction, with test glide
2019, where 2,067 pre- testing. The UltraFan Avolon, with the intention to pilots and does not flights of Imagine planned
owned business aircraft is expected to deliver of starting operations with represent technical for this summer.
were sold. a 25% increase in fuel one aircraft later this year support crew.
efficiency compared to and then adding another Chinese logistics and
Rolls-Royce has first-generation Trent jet aircraft every six months. Virgin Galactic has rolled freight company SF
announced it has begun engines. out the newest sub-orbital Express, with its Germany
the build of the world’s On its centenary, the spaceplane SpaceShip subsidiary Amazilia
biggest turbofan, New UK low-cost Royal Australian Air III – VSS Imagine. As well Aerospace, is to partner
the UltraFan, at its long-haul start-up Force has announced as reflective new livery, with Slovenia’s Pipistrel
DemoWorks facility in airline, flypop, which that it is to replace the SpaceShip III incorporates to develop a large eVTOL
Derby, UK. The first aims to connect the UK gender-specific term design and manufacturing hybrid cargo UAV. The
demonstrator example directly with the Indian ‘airmen’ with ‘aviators’ lessons from the previous drone, aimed at supplying
of the 140in diameter subcontinent, is to lease ‘to instil a stronger sense SS2, with improved remote and isolated areas,
jet engine is set to Airbus A330-300s as of identity’. However, the maintenance access and would be able to lift more
be completed by the its first type. The airline move saw some critics flight rate. A second SSIII, than 300kg in cargo over
end of the year before has signed a ‘multiple object, saying that the VSS Inspire, is now under 500km.
MAY 2021 7
Radome
SPACEFLIGHT DEFENCE
NASA
NASA selects SpaceX RAF to field drone
to provide Artemis swarms this decade
lunar lander The RAF Chief of the
Air Staff, Mike Wigston,
technology now allows us
to take a different view,
has said that he wants that you can have both. If
On 16 April, NASA announced it had picked uncrewed ‘Loyal Wingman’ the combat utility of today’s
SpaceX as its commercial space partner to land and swarming drones to be eight-ship of Typhoons can
future American astronauts on the Moon as part of fielded operationally by the be replicated with a pair of
its Artemis Lunar mission, with the company beating service within this decade. Typhoons, eight Mosquitos
rival bids from Dynetics and National Team (Blue Talking to the Air and and a hundred Alvina, an
Origin, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) Space Power Association entirely different calculus
for the $2.89bn contract. US astronauts launching on 30 March, Wigston is at play.” Mosquito
on NASA’s SLS rocket and Orion capsule will refuted claims that there is the LANCA ‘Loyal
transfer to SpaceX’s Starship-derived HLS (Human is a trade-off between Wingman’ while Alvina is
Landing System) before landing on the surface. technology and numbers, the swarming drone project
saying: “I would offer that under test by 216 Sqn.
GENERAL AVIATION AIR TRANSPORT
Lilium goes public with Southwest orders 100 new
SPAC deal 737 MAXs
Boeing
German ‘flying taxi’ ducted-fan Lilium Jet,
developer Lilium has which the company aims
announced it is going to have in commercial
public with a $830m service in 2024 and which
merger with a US special- it has already applied
purpose acquisition for concurrent type
company (SPAC), Qell certification with EASA and
Acquisition Corp. Having the FAA. The seven-seat
already flown a five- model will have a range of
seat electric-powered 250km and fly at 175mph. After rumours that it was mulling a historic break from its single-type strategy and eyeing
eVTOL demonstrator, The company also revealed up the Airbus A220, US carrier Southwest Airlines has confirmed its commitment to
the investment will help that an even larger Boeing by ordering 100 737 MAXs plus 155 options. The order also includes Boeing’s
accelerate development 16-seater eVTOL is in its Airplane Health Management, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and digital navigation
of a larger seven-seat future roadmap. charting tools.
NEWS IN BRIEF
of the first aircraft would of applicants. United and with Australian start- have an additional 12
Spanish regional be in 2024, with follow-on its credit card partner JP up Hypersonix to study Global 7500s on order,
carrier Air Nostrum has versions in service in Morgan Chase are each a Mach 12 reusable as well as ten Challenger
announced it is to join 2026. committing $1.2m to scramjet spaceplane able 350 bizjets.
Volotea and start-up scholarships. to put satellites into LEO.
Dante Aeronautical United Airlines has The spaceplane would French company Aura
to accelerate the announced that it has The first flight test of the use Hypersonix’s Aero has announced
development and set a new target of USAF’s first hypersonic SPARTAN scramjet plans to develop a 19-
introduction of electric 50% of the 5,000 new missile, the AGM-183A engines fuelled by green seat, electric-powered
regional aircraft. The pilots it intends to train ARRW, was aborted on hydrogen for a low-cost, regional airliner. To be
three companies have in the next decade to 6 April, when a technical reusable, quick access, produced at Aura Aero’s
put in a €42m funding be women or people of hitch with the rocket space access system. production facility at
bid from the European colour. The airline is now booster meant it could Toulouse-Francazal
Commission’s Recovery restarting training ab not be launched from the Middle East corporate airport, the new aircraft
fund, to help develop an initio pilots via the United B-52H test aircraft. jet operator VistaJet has is scheduled to fly in
electric regional aircraft Aviate Academy, with taken delivery of its first 2024 and enter service
seating between 9-19 scholarships available to Boeing has signed a Bombardier Global 7500. in 2026. The company
passengers. Certification attract a more diverse set teaming agreement VistaJet is reported to is also developing an
8 AEROSPACE
AIR TRANSPORT AEROSPACE
ICAO pushes to simplify
Skydweller
Skydweller claims record in first
NOTAMs autonomous systems test flight
ICAO has launched than 90 days. ICAO says
a global campaign to that on any given day
streamline NOTAMs 35,000 active NOTAMs
(NOtices To AirMen) after may be circulating, leading
a seven-fold increase in to fears of information
the publication of these overload in pilots where
information sources over safety-critical information
the past two decades. can be missed. ICAO’s
Many of these can reach Global Campaign on
100 pages of NOTAMs NOTAM Improvement US-Spanish company Skydweller Aero, which is developing the solar-powered Solar
for pilots doing pre-flight (NOTAM2021) intends Impulse into a long endurance UAV for civil and military roles, has announced that its
briefings, says ICAO, to reduce the number prototype made a piloted flight on 18 April in Spain. The first flight to test autonomous
with 20% of these being of excessive NOTAMs systems and hardware, the flight also saw the team claim a world record of 16,000ft for
outdated infomation older published. the highest piloted sustained flight by a solar-powered aircraft.
GENERAL AVIATION DEFENCE
2Excel to support new air racing series France and Germany
2Excel Aviation
reach FCAS agreement
A major obstacle to Senate. The agreement,
the launch of a pan- described as a ‘major
European (Future turning point’ by the
Combat Air System) Senate panel, is still to
FCAS programme has be approved by German
been removed with the politicians this summer
two lead companies, and opens the door to
Germany’s Airbus the next phase 1B of the
Defence and France’s project and additional
Dassault Aviation, both investment. FCAS, which
The UK’s 2Excel Aviation, parent of The Blades display team, has signed an agreement agreeing to the industrial is designed to replace
with World Championship Air Race (WCAR) to provide operational and maintenance terms for the sixth- Eurofighters and Rafales,
support for its upcoming AeroGT air racing series. The AeroGT air racing series, generation fighter system, is planned to enter
sanctioned by the FAI, is set to launch in the first quarter of 2022. according to the French service in the 2040s.
electric version of its year while other members
two-seat light Integral R. have been locked out and ON THE MOVE
cannot return to work. Michael Schoellhorn, following the retirement of
Pilots working for South Former Under Secretary while Vittadini’s role will Simon Caldecott.
African Airways (SAA) On 4 April, the Israeli of Defense for Acquisition be merged with Head of
are threatening to go Air Force received its and Sustainment for the Engineering and taken The UAE has selected
on strike in a dispute latest multi-mission ISR US DoD, Ellen Lord has over by Sabine Klauke as Nora Al Matrooshi to
over new employment platform, a Gulfstream been elected to the board EVP Engineering. be part of the country’s
contracts with the G550-based ‘Oron’ of AAR. astronaut corps and the
airline’s Business Rescue which is set to enter Willie Walsh is to be the Arab world’s first female
Practitioners (BRP) which service in 2023 after Dirk Hoke, head of Airbus new Director General astronaut.
is restructuring the airline. being outfitted with its Defence and Space, and of the International Air
Members of the SAA Pilots mission equipment. The Airbus CTPO Grazia Transport Association. Josh Hardie has been
Association (SAAPA), ‘Oron’ is an all-in-one ISR Vittadini are both to named the new Airbus
which represents 89% of platform, combining the leave the company on Piper Aircraft has UK Head of Public Affairs
SAA’s current 350 pilots, roles of AEW, SIGINT 1 July to pursue other appointed John Calcagno in June, taking over from
claim that many members and maritime patrol, with opportunities. Hoke as its new acting outgoing SVP Katherine
have not been paid for a conformal radar arrays. is replaced by COO President and CEO Bennett.
MAY 2021 9
By the Numbers
Understanding the world of Aerospace through data
How the world’s satellite industry breaks down
Bryce Tech/SIA
10 AEROSPACEPushing the Envelope
Exploring advances on the leading edge of aerospace
Robert Coppinger
In-orbit manufacturing
– the next big leap
O
rigami is an ancient art but its would mean a lot more power was available and that
principles are still key for the most would be advantageous for any spacecraft, telecoms or
advanced spacecraft because of the Earth observation.
packaging required to squeeze the Assembling using robotic arms is another in-orbit
likes of NASA’s James Webb Space manufacturing method where a core spacecraft is
Telescope inside the fairing of a rocket. Finishing the launched with component parts that it then fits together.
fabrication of an immense spacecraft after it is in its Sweeting sees brick-like subsystem modules that can
orbit would liberate the design of space telescopes be connected to add functionality. A challenge with
and telecommunications satellites and end the origami robotic moving arms is Sir Isaac Newton’s third law
conundrums. of reaction in the opposite direction for every action.
Ending the fairing challenge would also mean These reactions to robot arm movement can destabilise
spacecraft structures made in orbit would not need to the spacecraft and so it is a challenge the industry is
be designed for the shock and vibration environment of tackling now.
a rocket launch. The in-orbit manufacturing technologies
that would realise this new freedom are at an advanced Robot builders
stage of development and the fruits of some of those
labours will be seen in the next few years. The SSC is leading a UK national hub studying
robotic movement and Airbus is managing a European
Building while flying Union (EU) orbital factory project that is also aiming
to solve the problem. The orbital factory concept has
From 2022, NASA intends to launch a technology the unfinished spacecraft dock with the factory to
demonstrator spacecraft which would print two complete its construction using robotic arms. Beyond
nine-metre long beams. These beams are potential robotic arms, the ultimate in-orbit manufacture would
solar array structures. In Europe, Airbus has spent be to start with the base materials and print everything,
internal funds developing a weaving technology zapping particles with a laser. The orbital factory
for building antenna reflectors on orbit. In the UK, could be launched with everything needed for this. An
Surrey Space Centre (SSC) is studying robotics and intermediate step is to send laser printer feedstock for
autonomous systems which would be needed for in- making structures and microelectronic components
orbit manufacture and assembly. The vision the space whose manufacture is more complex than printing
industry has for the in-orbit assembly of spacecraft allows.
ranges from modular spacecraft docking to the literal Three-dimensional printing has already occurred on
printing of parts and structures, like NASA’s mission. the International Space Station (ISS) but the printers FINISHING THE
Professor Sir Martin Sweeting is Executive Chairman have only been technology demonstrators and will FABRICATION
of Airbus’ Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL), which remain so. NASA launched a polymer printer in 2014 to OF AN IMMENSE
commercialises SSC’s work. He likens the modular the ISS and, in 2015, ESA and the Italian space agency
spacecraft approach to the modular design used in sent their own to the station. In 2018, NASA sent to the
SPACECRAFT
today’s satellite factories. Where different modules ISS a fridge-sized machine it calls a Refabricator which AFTER IT IS IN ITS
are attached in the factory to create a space vehicle can recycle its own plastic printed products. Next year, ORBIT WOULD
with specific capabilities, in-orbit assembly would see NASA intends to send a metal printer, although nothing LIBERATE THE
specialised spacecraft dock to create a very capable it makes is expected to be used for ISS repair. All these DESIGN OF SPACE
satellite and much larger than anything a fairing could printers use a continuous thread of material which is TELESCOPES AND
accommodate. passed through a heated extruder onto a tray, layer by
TELECOMMUNI–
Airbus foresees a telecommunications market layer, to build an object. Unlike Earth-based 3D printers,
which has spacecraft that finish their own assembly on powder cannot be used in a microgravity environment CATIONS
orbit, building their antenna and solar arrays that would and its inhalation by astronauts could be lethal. Ten SATELLITES AND
be too huge to fit on a rocket. Being able to assemble, years ago, any in-orbit manufacturing would have been END THE ORIGAMI
or weave with Airbus’ technology, huge solar arrays said to be science fiction, Sir Martin said. Now he says, CONUNDRUMS
MAY 2021 11Transmission
LETTERS AND ONLINE @aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com
Cuts today but jam shortage tomorrow?
Two predictable to incorporate new E-scan
Eurofighter
outcomes of every UK radars and other new
Defence Review since weapons over the coming
the early 1980s have years.
been: endorsement of a Furthermore, what
national commitment to does ‘more F-35s beyond
modernising the armed the existing order for 48’
services to make them fit mean? Two more? The
and appropriate to meet infamous Sandys White Pilot training in crisis?
future threats, combined Paper of 1957 slashed
with more immediate RAF front-line squadrons @martin04573981 [On
cutbacks in numbers of in favour of missiles – until airline pilot training - time
personnel and front-line that decision was reversed to revisit the basis(4)] Basic
capabilities, supposedly just two years later. The flying and navigation skills
to pay for promised new 24 RAF Typhoons are to be retired in 2025. 2010 Defence Review,
are required in all levels I
future programmes. This which featured deep cuts
think. Specially the ‘magenta’
latest announcement specialist aircraft involved. than 24 perfectly adequate to RAF air power, slashing
generation of pilots.
is no different. While it The Sentinel R1s have air defence Tranche 1 Tornado numbers and the
identifies the obvious need already gone, to be followed Typhoons – a quarter of the whole Harrier Force, led to
to make new investments soon by the short-range RAF’s fast jet combat fleet – the 2015 Defence Review,
in counter cyber efforts which attempted to restore @nonrevwebsite Too late –
Islanders and the remaining and an early phase out of all things are spooling up and the
and space access, it also E-3 Sentry AWACs, while the Puma helicopters after some of the previous
confirms a proportionately shortcomings. Now we airlines are already behind.
the planned, already minimal, a very expensive update a
massive hit on RAF five-strong E-7 Wedgetail few years ago and with no seem to be repeating those
operational capabilities. fleet is now to be cut to replacement likely to be acknowledged mistakes by
Intelligence, surveillance once again creating even @MarkbateUK Unless the
just three, two-three years available for a considerable
and reconnaissance (ISR) time after the last has gone. bigger gaps in front-line training schools are reformed
before the first is ready! Yet,
air assets provided by the just as the report underlines The critical mass of the capabilities, in the hope from top to bottom, then
RAF have played a major an increased global ambition RAF has all but disappeared, that nothing unexpected nothing will change. It’s a
role in coalition air power for our armed forces, we are especially as examples of happens over the next few cartel that for over 20 years
projection for the past about to sell off one third the remaining Mk3 and Mk4 years. has fleeced those undergoing
three decades, despite the of our tactical air transport Typhoons will have to be Some hope. training. The sooner they are
relatively small fleets of fleet, dispose of no fewer withdrawn on a rolling basis Richard Gardner MRAeS gone the better.
i
Celera 500L From the RAeS photo archives @timdavies_uk It’s a self-
serving racket that constantly
Geoffrey Wardle [On Celera talks up pilot shortages in
RAeS/NAL
500L laminar flow aircraft order to get young aspirational
design(2)] Interesting article people to part with their
on this new and innovative parents’ money. A bit harsh
design; it will be interesting maybe but probably fair.
to see if the performance
gains cited are realised. I
Future helicopters
am also surprised at the use
New Member Spotlight of mechanical flight control
@Zaphod2042 [On
rather than FBW or FBL
Mark Oswald [On New Blade Runners in 2040(5)]
systems.
Member Spotlight Siva Excellent analysis of the
Marimuthu(1)] Congratulations current landscape. Found the
and welcome Siva. Europe/US contrast between
Career Flightpath Above left: A Blue Streak test at Spadeadam. capability and sustainability
The de Havilland Propellers Blue Streak was a British particularly interesting. It’s
Mark Timms Gareth Davies [On RAeS Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), and later the curious how, on both sides
Congratulations Siva. Great Career Flightpath online first stage of the Europa satellite launch vehicle. It was of the Atlantic, the two main
to see Nilai represented. I resource(3)] Great resource! cancelled in April 1960 without entering full production. directions seem to be tiltrotor
have many fond memories of Above right: A Black Arrow three-stage satellite launcher or compound. Do we risk
Nilai and Selak Tinggi back lifts off from Woomera on 4 March 1970. Its fourth and final going for the presumed future
in the mid 90s during KLIA Vidyasagar Kotha Thanks launch on 28 October 1971 successfully placed a Prospero tech or else play it safe with
construction. for introducing it. experimental satellite into orbit. the best of the old generation?
12 AEROSPACEUK spaceports HRH Prince Philip Replacing the Sentinel
@MarshallADG [On @JamesFe20066451
MoD
@LeadershipNext1 [On UK
spaceports blog(6)] I think the Memories of HRH Prince [On RAF retires Sentinel
mathematical favourite will Philip (see page 60) We are spyplane] Interestingly the
be the option furthest south, deeply saddened by the loss US has also cancelled their
ie the closer to the equator, of His Royal Highness Prince planned business-jet based
the larger the linear velocity Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. replacement for the E-8C
on Earth’s surface is already HRH visited Marshall on many JSTARS. This type of ISTAR
baked in before igniting occasions, including in 2009 (including AWACS) is likely to
rockets and slingshotting. for our centenary celebrations go to multiple sensors feeding
So you can launch greater and for the inauguration of the the combat-cloud rather than
payload for less fuel. Marshall of Cambridge room big ‘single point of failure’ RAF Sentinel
at @AeroSociety in London. platforms in the future. For
example, if you network all @greenspike5 Both the @GrumpyWo The
@BenSharpUK A fantastic of the data feeds from F-35, USAF and the US Army are comparable NATO capabilities
and comprehensive article. @Brabazon2 Sad news. I Typhoon, Reaper/Protector, working hard on having a are NATO AGS (of which
Yet, notwithstanding the never met HRH in person MilSats and whatever else capability based on multiple Sentinel was our contribution
claims by the operators, is but I know he was a strong you have over the battlespace, platforms and sensors. I worry to) and JSTARS, which has
the market there? Can these supporter of @CranfieldUni you get much more data than about such combat cloud’s suffered the same kind of
spaceports be a success and visited a number of times, you do from a Sentinel – over resilience (or lack thereof) in neglect that Sentinel did. I
without significant government including a visit in 1963 to a wider area. Fancy software the face of determined cyber would also argue that the
backing? deliver the inaugural can do the job better. and EW attacks which it way those two platforms are
@AeroSociety Handley Page would certainly face in a operated/crewed also gave
memorial lecture at Cranfield. conventional conflict. Sentinel an edge.
@mike_carrvick I think the @DefenceSenseUK Such
bigger question will be lower a waste.
airspace capacity if all these eSchneider Trophy?
air taxis and delivery drones
Rolls-Royce
come to fruition. Added to that
will be disciplined approach Aircrew mental health
eVTOL aerial deliveries
to flight operations that new
@giuliogamba [On aircrew
pilots and drone operators will @airlineFlyer [On UPS to
BETA Technologiues
mental health blog(7)] Nothing
need. field eVTOL delivery aircraft]
ACCEL electric racing aircraft has been really done to
properly address the problem. Folks, we are living in the
golden age of eVTOL aircraft
@Peter_Mugridge [On
@DontFailToTri Quite easily; renderings. @UPS says it’ll
Rolls-Royce gets set to fly
Temporary Restricted areas, take delivery of its first ten
ACCEL in electric race] That @nrogers_aero Human
the same as Managed Danger BETA Technologies aircraft
aircraft looks like something factors understanding the
areas, such as the D323 beginning in 2024 with @Aerosurrance Still to
fit for the Schneider Trophy... person/machine interface
complex. When active, aircraft options for up to 150. Claims conduct VTO, transition or VL.
which gives me an idea. and employer understanding
need to take a huge detour; of 1,400lb cargo capacity with Cruise speed said to be 145
Perhaps we should have an of issues has never been so
when inactive, more direct 250 mile range have been knots.
Electric Schneider Trophy for important in the aviation sector.
routes will be available. stated.
these?
@AlastairWB It took Bell
@SteffenA380 I think the ten years to develop the 525,
@sheen_alexander I’d @GuardedDon Rapid parcel so yeh, all these start-ups
@fg_domperry First flight example with 4U9525 is badly
suggest using autonomous deliveries and Starlink fast are going to do it in a third of
now set for May at Boscombe chosen but there is definitely
systems for range clearance broadband. Everyone will be the time with completely new
Down in Wiltshire. I knew a lot of work to be done in that
etc but we’ve not exactly moving out from the ‘burbs’ to configurations and propulsion
my home county would be direction.
cracked that problem yet. the boonies. technologies.
famous for something one day.
1. AEROSPACE, April 2021, p 50, New Member Spotlight
2. AEROSPACE, April 2021, p 20, Going with the flow
3. https://www.aerosociety.com/careers-education/resources/career-flightpath/
4. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/airline-pilot-training-time-to-revisit-the-basics/
5. AEROSPACE, March 2021, p 36, Blade runners for 2040+
6. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/the-magnificent-seven/
7. AEROSPACE, March 2021, p 28, Covid 19 – a hidden mental health crisis?
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com MAY 2021 13SPACEFLIGHT
UK spaceports
Magnificent Seven
The UK government is working on plans to facilitate the creation of space launch sites
located within the UK, with seven sites currently preparing to apply for spaceport
operating licences. BILL READ FRAeS reviews the contenders.
O
ne of the highlights of the 2014 However, recent years have seen a revival
Farnborough Air Show was the of the project. While the original plan was to
announcement of a plan from the select just one of the alternative spaceports, the
UK government to select a site for government announced in May 2016 that it was
the first commercial spaceport to cancelling the original bid process in favour of a
be located in Britain. After the selection of a site, licensing framework. The aim of the new system
the schedule was to build a commercial spaceport is to enable the establishment of a wide range
which would begin operations by 2018. Seven years of commercial sub-orbital and orbital operations,
later, in 2021, we are still waiting but new plans are using both horizontal and vertical launches. Under
now under way for the creation of not one but seven the new rules, this means that, with the addition of
spaceports around the UK. sites at Shetland and Sutherland, there are now
In the original 2014 plan a total of eight sites seven potential spaceport sites seeking an operator
were considered for possible selection, six of which licence.
were in Scotland. These comprised: Campbeltown In 2018 the government established the Space
Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Kinloss Growth Partnership with the aim of expanding the
Barracks, RAF Lossiemouth, Stornoway Airport, UK space industry. The UK’s spaceflight programme
RAF Leuchars, Llanbedr Airport and Newquay – LaunchUK – is working with a range of additional
Cornwall Airport. In 2015, this list had been reduced partners to establish commercial vertical and
to six possible sites, as RAF Lossiemouth and horizontal small satellite launch from UK spaceports.
Kinloss Barracks were dropped due to operational The government is encouraging the development
defence reasons. In 2016, RAF Leuchers was also of spaceports in two ways, financial and regulatory.
removed from the contenders. In May 2016, the The financial incentive has included grants
competition was ended with no final selection being totalling nearly £40m to establish commercial UK
made. spaceports.
14 AEROSPACESpaceport Cornwall
Meanwhile, the 2018 Space Industry Act has more frequently with less fuel and noise, and can
established the legal framework for commercial be integrated into existing airport facilities. The
launch activity in the country. The act establishes disadvantage of horizontal launches is that there
the Secretary of State as the are limits on the size of rockets that
regulator for UK spaceports with a the aircraft can carry which can only
primary duty to secure public safety. carry smaller payloads.
Regulatory functions are expected to
be delegated to the UK Space Agency Sites
and the Civil Aviation Authority. HORIZONTAL
A comprehensive set of rules Of the seven proposed spaceport
LAUNCHES HAVE
have been prepared which set out sites, three will be vertical launch sites
the requirements needed from THE ADVANTAGES and four for horizontal launches. Five
prospective spaceport operators THAT THEY of the sites are in Scotland (Hebrides,
and launch operators. These include: COST LESS Shetland, Sutherland, Ayrshire and
licensing requirements, environmental THAN VERTICAL Kintyre), one in North Wales and
considerations, liability and insurance, LAUNCHES, CAN one in Cornwall. Several spaceports
security and an accident investigation have already got their first customers
process. Work is now under way to
BE CARRIED lined up and are anticipating their
create a final version of the rules which OUT MORE first launches as soon as they have
will, according to a statement from the FREQUENTLY obtained operating licences.
Department for Transport (DfT), enable WITH LESS FUEL
UK spaceflights to flourish while AND NOISE,
remaining safe. Once the regulatory
AND CAN BE
and safety rules have been completed,
legislation will be introduced which INTEGRATED INTO
will allow both spaceport and launch EXISTING AIRPORT
operators to apply for a licence from
the CAA to begin operations. To be approved for
a licence, an operator will have to show that they No 1. Spaceport 1 – North Uist,
comply with planning, safety and environmental Hebrides (vertical launch)
requirements.
The proposed Western Isles’ Spaceport 1 would be
Technology and licences located at Scolpaig on the north-west coast of North
Uist. In June 2019 the Western Isles local authority,
Another issue that has had to be addressed is that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES), invested about
of technology safeguards. Many of the planned £1m to purchase the land needed to build a site
launches from UK soil involve the use of American- which would be used for vertical launches of small
made rockets and systems, the use of which satellites. Proposals for phase 1 of the plan involve
requires special permission from the US to abide by the launch of multiple ‘sounding rockets’ over a
ITAR and TSA controls. In June 2020, the US and period of three years as test and evaluation for the
UK governments signed a technology safeguards subsequent phases. The North Uist proposal is being
agreement detailing the procedures to ensure supported by QinetiQ, which operates the nearby
that export-controlled technologies on American Ministry of Defence Hebrides Rocket Range and is
vehicles are adequately protected when flown from a partner in the project, together with Highlands and
British spaceports. Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Commercial Space
Technologies consultancy.
Horizontal and vertical
Spaceport 1
The UK sites will be used for two different types
of space launches – vertical and horizontal. As
their name implies, vertical launches involve the
‘traditional’ method of a rocket taking off from a
launch pad – although the rockets from the UK
launch sites will only be small ones. Horizontal
launches involve an aircraft taking off from a
conventional runway carrying a rocket which is
launched while the aircraft is at a high altitude
and then deploys the satellite in orbit. Horizontal
launches have the advantages that they cost
less than vertical launches, can be carried out
MAY 2021 15SPACEFLIGHT
UK spaceports
Shetland Space Centre
Shetland Space Centre
No 2. Shetland Space Centre (SSC) – Unst, Shetland Islands (vertical
launch)
Another vertical launch site is being proposed for the Shetland Space Centre (SSC) located at Saxa Vord on
the Lamba Ness peninsula on the UK’s most northerly island of Unst – which was also the former site of the
RAF Skaw military radar site. The SSC facilities will comprise three launch pads designed to accommodate
different rocket payload capacities from 30kg up to 600kg. The larger rockets will be launched from the
pads located furthest east and smaller ones to the west. SSC says that it is planning for each launch
company to have its own pad but will also be promoting the concept of universal launch pads for the future.
SSC is aiming to have first a ground station and then a functioning launch facility in place by the end of
this year. Once the site is fully operational, SSC anticipates that there may be up to 30 rocket launches a year
which could take place during the day or night. SSC states that the high latitude of Lamba Ness makes it the
ideal site for launching small rockets with small satellite payloads. Such rockets are launched into either polar
orbits, where the trajectory of the satellite is over both the North and South poles, or sun-synchronous orbits
which are also polar but ahead of the sunrise, allowing a satellite’s solar panels to function continuously.
In February 2021, it was announced that Lockheed is planning the first rocket launch from the Shetland
Space Centre (SSC) in 2022. Part of a $31m mission named UK Pathfinder, the rocket will place into orbit
an orbital manoeuvering vehicle developed by Moog in the UK which will deploy six 6U CubeSats. Lockheed
does not currently have a small launch vehicle compatible with the spaceport but has contracted the launch
to US company ABL Space Systems which has an integrated GS0 launch system and RS1 rocket. The GS0
launch system is said to be self-contained and will not require any fixed infrastructure at the spaceport. The
Shetland Space Centre will provide a flat concrete launch pad, bulk propellant and a mission control centre.
The RS1 rocket is currently still in development, with the first launch scheduled for the second quarter of
this year from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In April it was announced that ABL Space Systems
will provide Lockheed Martin with routine launches of RS1 rockets to accelerate payload technologies into
orbit. Lockheed Martin will purchase up to 26 vehicles through 2025 and then up to 32 additional launches
through 2029.
In June 2020, Shetland Space Centre announced that Canadian small launch vehicle developer
C6 Launch Systems plans to launch from the site. C6 is still developing a launch vehicle which will be
conducting engine tests at Spaceport America in New Mexico. In February, SSC announced that it had
secured a ‘further boost’ as German rocket maker HyImpulse Technologies planned to begin engine-testing
and launching sub-orbital sounding rockets from Shetland this year with a view to a maiden orbital flight
in 2023. Paul Riddel, Head of Comms at the Shetland Space Centre, confirmed that there were also other
customers but: “until we reach formal terms with them, we are unable to say who.”
Shetland Space Centre
16 AEROSPACESpace Hub Sutherland
Space Hub Sutherland
Space Hub Sutherland
No 3. Space Hub Sutherland – Melness, Sutherland (vertical launch)
The only vertical spaceport site on the UK mainland is Space Hub Sutherland located on the A’ Mhòine
peninsula, Melness, near Tongue in Sutherland on the north coast of Scotland. The site will consist of a
single launchpad with an upper limit of 12 flights per year.
In July 2018 the UK Space Agency announced that the first customers of the Sutherland spaceport
would be Lockheed Martin and small launch vehicle startup Orbex. However, Lockheed announced in
October 2020 that it has received permission from the UK Space Agency to move the launch site to the
Shetlands. Lockheed said that the reason behind the move was because the Sutherland site only had a
single launch pad and it wanted to avoid competing with Orbex for a limited number of launches.
Orbex plans to use a small reusable rocket called Prime which it is developing to place a 150kg payload
into a 500km sun-synchronous orbit. The rockets and engines are to be made at Orbex’s manufacturing
plant Forres, near Inverness, using 3D printing technology. The rockets will be powered by liquid oxygen and
‘bio-propane’ fuel made from biomass.
Space Hub Sutherland
No 4. Prestwick Spaceport – Prestwick Airport, Ayrshire (horizontal launch)
A horizontal launch spaceport is also planned at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire where Prestwick Spaceport claims that much of the
infrastructure required for horizontal space launches is already in place, including a long runway, easy accessibility, cargo-handling ability and
a broad-based aerospace infrastructure surrounding the site. In addition to the air launch of satellites, proposed future uses include: micro
gravity flights, hypersonic flight services and even space tourism human spaceflight.
Prestwick Spaceport
MAY 2021 17SPACEFLIGHT
UK spaceports
No 5. Discover Space UK – Campbeltown Airport, Kintyre No 7. Spaceport Cornwall –
(horizontal launch) Newquay Airport, Cornwall
(horizontal launch)
The fifth Scottish spaceport site is Campbeltown airport located in the south
of the Kintyre peninsula on the west coast of Scotland. Formerly the RAF Meanwhile, Cornwall Newquay Airport is planning
Machrihanish air base, Campbeltown airport also has a long runway (3,049m) to become the only one of the seven spaceport
suitable for horizontal space launches which was used for Vulcan bombers and sites to be located in England. The proposed
was also a back-up emergency landing for the Space Shuttle. There is also a Spaceport Cornwall plans to operate horizontal
2,970m parallel taxiway which could potentially also be used as a second runway. space launches in conjunction with existing
The site was purchased for £1 from the Ministry of Defence in 2012 and is now commercial airline flights. Work has commenced
owned by the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC). on the Spaceport Zone 1 plan which includes
Campbeltown is promoting its spaceport ambitions under the name Discover the Centre for Space Technologies (CST), a
Space UK which signed a memorandum of understanding with QinetiQ and large-scale airside development comprising of
Telespazio VEGA UK in January 2017 to investigate the potential of the site for a 1,700m2 Space Systems Integration Facility
a horizontal launch spaceport. (300m2 prep area, 400m2 cleanroom, 1000m2
integration workspace), and Operations Facility
Discover Space
(Mission Ops Centre, Collaboration Space, Offices
and Laboratories. The CST will be ready for
occupation by the end of this year.
Spaceport Cornwall also has a customer
interested in using the site, in the shape of Virgin
Orbit which signed a partnering agreement with
Cornwall Council at the 2018 Farnborough
Airshow. Virgin Orbit is developing a horizontally-
launched satellite system using a modified Boeing
747-400 carrying a LauncherOne rocket which is
released in flight at 35,000ft. A test flight of the
system was carried out in California in November
2018 with the first launch from Cornwall
anticipated for early 2022.
Spaceport Cornwall
Spaceport Snowdonia
Spaceport Snowdonia
Spaceport Snowdonia
Spaceport Cornwall
No 6. Snowdonia Aerospace – Llanbedr, Wales
(horizontal launch)
Another spaceport site is located at the former RAF airfield in Llanbedr,
Gwynedd. The former military site is owned by the Welsh government but
has been leased to spaceport operator Snowdonia Aerospace. Snowdonia
Aerospace is hoping to launch the first sub-orbital flights over Cardigan Bay
in 2022-25. The Snowdonia spaceport will also be used for testing new UAVs.
Spaceport Cornwall
The UK Space Agency has granted an additional £86,000 to Snowdonia
Aerospace to test how satellite-enabled drones could be used to support
healthcare in rural communities.
The spaceport has already got its first customer. Newport-based B2Space was
also awarded £100,000 by the Welsh Government to use Llanbedr to examine
the use of stratospheric balloons as a low-cost option for the launch of small and
micro satellites into low-Earth orbit. According to B2Space, the balloons ascend to
40km carrying a ‘rockoon’ satellite launcher which then separates and carries the
satellites into orbit. Balloon launches to test the feasibility of the system began in
2018 from Llanbedr and were completed in March 2020.
18ATC and segregated airspace locations for their desired trajectory and weather,”
continued John Holmes. “The weather also
A practical issue faced by all UK launch sites is onloads and offloads the UK ATM network and
how to keep the airspace above the sites clear for may cause flights onto non-optimum routings for
rockets to go into orbit. This is less of a problem activities that may be subject to interruption due to
for the more remote sites but the space site THE OVERALL weather or other external factors.”
operators will need to ensure that no aircraft are IMPACT ON
flying over the sea during a launch. “The overall THE UK ATM Vertical launches
impact on the UK ATM network of a space launch
will require deconfliction to ensure that existing
NETWORK OF A “In the case of a vertical rocket launch, the size
airspace users are still able to operate,” John SPACE LAUNCH of the segregated airspace is driven by the need
Holmes FRAeS CEng Principal Specialist, SMS WILL REQUIRE to protect other airspace users from abnormal
Development & Commercial Space at NATS DECON- operations and failures and to clear the return
told AEROSPACE. “Operations of this nature zones for rocket stages and fairings. A typical
aren’t generally compatible with civil air traffic FLICTION TO vertical rocket launch passes through 60,000ft
operations and it is CAA policy for these kinds ENSURE THAT feet between 80-120 seconds from lift-off with
of activities to occur within separate areas which EXISTING little horizontal travel down range. This restricted
will be classified as ‘danger areas’ or other forms airspace might remain active for longer if the
of segregated airspace requiring all air traffic to
AIRSPACE launch involves a stage that returns as a ballistic
fly around them when declared as active. This USERS ARE object. The recovery process could also increase
segregated airspace will be in operation for the STILL ABLE TO the amount of airspace closure for an individual
duration of the launch window, potentially starting OPERATE. launch. The use of returnable vertical launched
when the rockets are fuelled and then continuing rockets could also potentially increase the number
for take-off, descent and any potential recovery of John Holmes of scrubbed launches and increase the number of
vertical launch vehicles.” airspace closures as some of the current recovery
FRAeS CEng
“Segregated airspace to support launches technology is more vulnerable to the weather.”
will need to be designed and implemented by the SMS
operators, applying for permission to the CAA Horizontal launches
via the airspace change process (CAP1616) for
Development
airspace in the UK. The size of each segregated & Commercial For air-launched rockets, there would be two
area is expected to be significant to protect Space, stages to consider – the horizontal take-off of
third parties from harm in the event of abnormal the carrier aircraft and the high-altitude rocket
operations, even for sub-orbital launches.”
NATS launch. The carrier aircraft would be controlled
by NATS in the same way as a normal flight
Customised segregation – except that this aircraft would be carrying a
potentially explosive payload in the form of the
Different sized volumes of airspace could be rocket. “NATS has a great deal of experience in
reserved for each launch, at multiple locations managing, co-ordinating and controlling aircraft
for different dates and durations. In addition to carrying hazardous cargo through our airspace,”
the size of the segregated airspace, the impact said Holmes. “The arrangements would depend on
of a launch on other airspace users will also vary the status of the flight conducting the horizontal
depending of the duration of airspace closure, launch as allocated by the CAA as part of its
location of the launch point, time of day, aviation approval process.”
traffic, weather and other factors. Holmes anticipates that the segregated
“The exact details of any airspace closures for airspace required for an air-launch rocket will
aircraft and potentially drones over the spaceport not be dissimilar to that for a rocket launched
prior to the launch window are expected to be vertically, saying that: “It is expected that a
determined by the CAA in conjunction with the manoeuvring area to position the aircraft for
spaceport and launch operator,” explained Holmes. launch would be needed in addition to the launch
“NATS would then implement those restrictions protection airspace. The key difference for
to assure the safety and integrity of the ATM horizontal space launches is that potentially the
network. The required volume of segregated launches can be from different starting points
airspace will depend on the type of launch – a on each occasion. This has implications on the
vertical rocket launch requiring a different types of airspace construct that can be used and
volume of airspace from a horizontal take-off air mechanisms to implement that with the air traffic
launch. While launch points are fixed for vertical management system. The CAA will determine
spaceports, mobile launchers from horizontal the exact airspace requirements with the launch
spaceports or sea launches can choose optimised operators.”
An extended version of this article can be viewed in the AEROSPACE Insight blog.
MAY 2021 19You can also read
