SNOWDONIA Aerospace Centre in Llanbedr is taking big steps towards becoming one of the UK’s first commercial spaceports, according to project leaders.

A delegation, led by Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, recently attended a major Space Agency Conference in London, where they outlined their case as a preferred location.

The team is now receiving interest from private sector providers looking to enable frequent and low-cost access to space from the UK by 2020.

Representatives from Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, Aerospace Wales, QinetiQ and Welsh Government attended ‘Launch UK: Igniting the UK’s new space age’ at the Royal Aeronautical Society last month.

The event showcased the progress being made towards small-satellite launches and sub-orbital flights in the UK, and brought together representatives from other potential UK spaceport locations, as well as spaceflight vehicle operators and the UK space manufacturing sector.

Snowdonia Aerospace Centre’s chief executive, Lee Paul, said: “Our Snowdonia Spaceport team was well received at the Space Agency event in London, and we are excited to have the support of the private sector and look forward to exploring new opportunities with interested parties.

“The past 18 months have been about creating the right operating environment and establishing a world-class facility. Completing the first phase of investment has prepared us for the future and we hope that new developments in 2017 and beyond will mean that Snowdonia Aerospace Centre is even more appealing to world-wide investment.”

Plans for enhanced site access will be shortly submitted by Gwynedd Council to the Snowdonia National Park Authority, which – if approved – would improve access to the Llanbedr site and provide a catalyst for further investment and development.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News