Spaceport-1 ACP Stage 3 Consultation

Closed 24 May 2024

Opened 20 Mar 2024

Results expected 21 Jun 2024

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

The aim of this consultation is to seek stakeholder views on the introduction of a change in designation of airspace in the vicinity of Scolpaig, North Uist.

There is a requirement to launch sub-orbital sounding rockets from Scolpaig into the adjacent MOD Hebrides Range Danger Areas from 2025.  Airspace change is necessary to ensure safety of other airspace users, protecting them from the hazards associated with rocket launch operations and to protect SP-1 ground personnel.

The purpose of this consultation is for all stakeholders to respond effectively to the information provided.  The questionaire will assist in gathering and considering opinions and information from relevant stakeholders regarding the potential impact of this Airspace Change Proposal (ACP).

The methodology of this consultation is summarised in the Consultation Strategy, which can be read in conjunction with the Consultation Document and the Full Options Appraisal, which assesses the costs, benefits, and potential environmental impacts of the airspace change.

The consultation period is from 20th March 2024 to 24th May 2024: Once consultation has ended, all feedback will be considered for the final design proposal. The final design proposal may evolve from that described in the Consultation Document, subject to stakeholder input.

Why your views matter

At this stage of the airspace change process nothing is yet finalised.  We would therefore like to have your feedback on this proposal (ACP-2021-12).  Your feedback is a critical part of the airspace change process and is important to us as it will help inform the final airspace design and associated operating procedures.

What happens next

  1. On completion of consultation the Change Sponsor will review all responses and categorise them for analysis. Responses will be categorised into those directly relating to the ACP and those that provide more general feedback. All original responses will be analysed and collated into a consultation report and sent to the CAA with a redacted version uploaded to the CAA ACP Portal (including raw data). 
  2.  
  3. The Change Sponsor will consider whether, in light of feedback received during consultation, the airspace design options need significant re-design that would warrant further consultation with stakeholders. Provided additional consultation is not required, the Sponsor will begin to draft the final submission to the CAA as part of ACP Stage 4.

Events

  • Spaceport-1 Airspace Consultation Drop In Event

    From 17 Apr 2024 at 13:00 to 17 Apr 2024 at 19:30

    This event will offer an informal opportunity for interested parties to find out more about the airspace change proposal and what it means to them; it will also provide the opportunity to leave formal feedback if required and an opportunity to offer help in submitting a response to the consultation.