THE UK Government has been urged to provide secure, long-term investment in the space sector – or risk Scotland falling behind fierce European rivals. The Westminster parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee said Scotland could lose a “generational opportunity” in the space industry due to a relative lack of public funds being provided. The Scottish Affairs Committee acknowledged the threat that Norway poses to Scotland’s small satellite launch position. Once launch has been achieved, the committee has also recommended the UK Government becomes an “anchor customer” of Scotland’s launch providers to ensure their long-term financial viability. Scottish Affairs Committee chairwoman Patricia Ferguson said Scotland was in danger of missing huge economic benefits if Scotland’s potential to become a leader in space launch was not realised.