Oh, like the Pegasus air-launch system. Works fine, but not a huge win on cost.
I'm surprised that anyone wants to launch from that far north. Most launch sites are further south, so you get more velocity from the earth's rotation.
I'm surprised that anyone wants to launch from that far north. Most launch sites are further south, so you get more velocity from the earth's rotation.
There are more costs than just the launch itself though. The UK has a pretty big space industry. Lots of satellites and satellite components are made here. Not needing to ship your payload to Kazakstan probably saves a few quid if you're building a lot of it in the UK, and the reduced risk of it being damaged in transit will help significantly.
The reason is that Scotland and northerly launch sites favour launches into polar orbits.
Oh, the branding opportunities!