A three-month consultation has showed that the aviation industry is largely in favour of plans to construct the world’s first commercial spaceport in the UK.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s current shortlist of potential locations for the project has also been updated, and now consists of Campbeltown, Glasgow Prestwick, Stornoway, Newquay and Llanbedr. In addition to this, RAF Leuchars has been confirmed as a prospective temporary location.

Aviation minister Robert Goodwill said: “I want Britain to lead the way in commercial spaceflight. Establishing a spaceport will ensure we are at the forefront of this exciting new technology.”

He added that the move would help drive economic growth at a regional and national level.

Business secretary Vince Cable also lent his support to the proposal, saying: "Paving the way for a national spaceport is one of our biggest science achievements in this parliament.”
The project will now progress with the Department for Transport creating detailed technical specifications, before inviting companies to submit initial designs.