Construction of Highland spaceport to be 'paused'
Orbex now aims to launch its first rockets from Shetland instead of Sutherland.
Last updated 4th Dec 2024
A spaceflight company are 'pausing' construction of a spaceport in Sutherland to focus on launching rockets in Shetland.
Orbex say they are focusing operations "exclusively" on developing small and medium sized space rockets for launching at SaxaVord Spaceport.
The Forres-based firm have outlined how they will retain its lease to build and operate its own spaceport near Melness in order to give it flexibility to increase launch capacity in the future.
This will be kept under continuous review.
Decision is a "win-win" for UK space sector
Orbex CEO Phil Chambers says pausing construction in Sutherland enables them to focus on their strategic plan to offer the market a medium-sized launcher
He said: "Our primary goal is to support the European space industry by achieving a sustainable series of satellite launches into low Earth orbit.
"This is best achieved by focusing our resources and talents on developing launch vehicles and associated launch services.
"This decision will help us to reach first launch in 2025 and provides SaxaVord with another customer to further strengthen its commercial proposition.
"It’s a win-win for UK and Scottish space."
Orbex said they are consulting with the three staff employed on the Sutherland project to identify options for relocation or new roles
Mr Chambers added: “While we appreciate this news means pausing the construction plans at Sutherland, we are still committed to the North of Scotland at our facilities in Forres and we look forward to building our presence at SaxaVord in Shetland as well.
"The decision to pause construction was not taken lightly. We are incredibly grateful to the Sutherland community for being so supportive of our initial plans to build our first spaceport there.”
Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord spaceport, said: “We're delighted to welcome Orbex to SaxaVord.
"Given the scale of their ambition and the evolution of their offer to include a medium-sized launch vehicle, it makes sense for Orbex to start operations from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is already licenced and in a position to support their upcoming launches. "