Eight locations across the UK have been proposed as possible sites for a new UK spaceport.

The government intends to open a commercial spaceport in 2018, claiming this could generate substantial economic benefits.

Six of the proposed sites are in Scotland; these include Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Campbeltown Airport and RAF Leuchars. Llanbedr Airport in Wales and Newquay Cornwall Airport in England are also under consideration.

The Department for Transport is to consult on the criteria the Civil Aviation Authority has identified that will make a location suitable for a spaceport. These include distance from densely populated areas and the availability of an existing runway capable of being extended to accommodate space flights.

Business secretary Vince Cable said space already contributes £11.3 billion to the UK economy and supports nearly 35,000 jobs.

He added that it is therefore important to ensure the UK is prepared for the new launcher technology and meets the 2018 deadline for the spaceport.