An Irish company is aiming to raise €5m to develop a spaceport to enable orbital and suborbital rocket launches for carrying small satellites to polar orbits.
SUAS Aerospace aims to have the facility up and running within three years.
It would facilitate up to 48 launches a year, with projected revenues of more than €70 million.
"This is a significant opportunity for Ireland to establish itself as a leader in the European space sector," said Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO, SUAS Aerospace.
"The current round of seed funding will help SUAS Aerospace substantially progress its vision to to create a thriving space hub in Ireland."
"It will help develop initial infrastructure, conduct test launches, establish strategic partnerships and ultimately pave the way for the first orbital launch from Irish soil."
Over the long-term, the plans include a major aeronautical facility with launchpads, integration facility, control centre and visitor centre.
A technical feasibility study commissioned by SUAS and carried out by B2Space found Ireland was one of three of the most suitable locations for a spaceport.
Among the issues considered were safety, launcher range and flights paths.
SUAS Aerospace was set up five years ago and is based at the National Space Centre in Cork.
Supported by Enterprise Ireland, it has received investment of €1.1m so far and has partnered with several major European businesses.
