The New Spaceport in Scotland

                        The New Spaceport in Scotland

A new Spaceport is to be constructed in Sutherland on the A’Mhoine peninsula in Northern Scotland. It will be the base for the launch of vertical rockets and satellites. It has been given the name the ‘Space Hub Sutherland’. The project is backed by the US aerospace company Lockheed Martin and by Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The project will cost £17.3 million and is expected to employ 440 people.

                                         The Launch Vehicle

The new Spaceport will provide a base for the launch vehicle called Orbex Prime.  As well as employment opportunities it is hoped it will also provide research possibilities for the local area. Construction will start in late 2021 with the first launches planned for 2022 . It will be principally involved in the launch of commercial satellites. As the Sutherland site would be excellent for the launch of these satellites in to polar orbit. It would also be suitable for the launch of satellites  in to Sun-Synchronous orbit.

                                         Location of the Spaceport

The spaceport site on the A’Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland is 35 miles (56 km) from the former Dounreay nuclear site. The nearest community to the spaceport is the crofting township of Talmine alongside the Kyle of Tongue with a population of 200. 

                                                    Approval of the Project

The Spaceport project was approved by the Highland Council in August 2020 and planning is taking place for building on the site to begin in 2021.