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<p>We are on the threshold of the new commercial space age, and this is a pivotal
moment for the UK’s spaceflight ambitions.</p><p>The UK Government has put in place
the legislation needed for operators to open spaceports which allows for a range of
commercial spaceflight activities, including suborbital space-tourism. However, it
will be up to the operators of the spaceports what services they seek to run from
them. The immediate focus for the UK Government is enabling launch and supporting
the small satellite launch market. These small satellites can support improvements
to public services for all.</p><p>Growing our launch capability will help create new
jobs and bring economic benefits to communities and organisations right across the
UK, as well as inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.</p><p>Access
to space is also essential for improving understanding of climate change and our efforts
to tackle it. Satellite measurements of Earth’s temperature, greenhouse gas emissions,
atmospheric gases, sea levels, ice cover and other properties give the science community
valuable data that can help us analyse and predict the impacts of climate change to
enable effective strategies and decisions to be made. UK launch capability will enable
the expansion and enhancement of earth observation and the gathering of environmental
data, enabling a real and meaningful contribution to tackling climate change.</p><p>
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