Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Artistic view of launch from Scotland spaceport.
Image courtesy: Orbex

Construction has begun at Sutherland in Scotland, the UK mainland’s first vertical launch spaceport.

Located on the North coast of Scotland, the spaceport will be the “home” spaceport of Forres-based rocket and launch services company, Orbex, a UK-based spaceflight company with headquarters, production and testing facilities in Scotland, and design and testing facilities in Denmark.

In May 2022, Orbex unveiled its Prime rocket, a two-stage orbital micro-launcher that would toss small commercial satellites into Earth orbit.

In an Orbex statement, the company explains it will use the Sutherland Spaceport to launch up to 12 orbital rockets per year.

Groundbreaking ceremonies included Dorothy Pritchar, Chair, Melness Crofters’ Estate. Image courtesy: Orbex

“We’re starting to see the physical representation of a dream that began several years ago. This is our way of regenerating this community and reversing population decline, by giving families a reason to stay or come back to this area, said Dorothy Pritchar, Chair, Melness Crofters’ Estate.

“The fact that we’re doing this while safeguarding the environment is something we’re all very proud of. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this project, and I can’t wait to see the first launch,” Pritchar said in the Orbex press statement.