Sutherland-Spaceport

The Scottish Spaceport Stuck in Limbo: Sutherland Spaceport Delays

A highland peat bog in Scotland’s A’Mhoine Peninsula was once set to be the site of the UK’s first spaceport. However, more than six years after the initial UK government announcement, it seems rockets won’t be launching from Sutherland Spaceport anytime soon.

Where Is the Spaceport Located?

Located in the northwestern part of Sutherland, the spaceport site sits on the A’Mhoine Peninsula, a remote landscape made up of moorland, peat bogs, lochs, grazing pastures, and hills. The site spans 86 acres and is owned by the Melness Crofters’ Estate, which manages 10,000 acres of crofting land. Crofting is a unique farming system in Scotland that supports sustainable agriculture.

The nearest homes to the proposed site are over 2 miles (3 km) away, with the small community of Tongue, home to about 500 people, situated roughly 4 miles (6 km) from the location.

Why Was Sutherland Chosen?

Sutherland was picked due to its ideal location for vertical rocket launches. The area has a sparsely populated, north-facing coastline, which means rockets won’t fly over populated areas, making it perfect for launching small satellites into desirable orbits. The original plan included 12 rocket launches per year, with satellites focused on monitoring climate change.

The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) led the project, hoping the spaceport would bring highly skilled jobs and investment to the Scottish Highlands. It was also intended to be a part of a broader network of spaceports in the UK.

Opposition from Billionaires and Local Crofters

While the project seemed promising, it hasn’t been without controversy. Some crofters voiced concerns about the environmental impact and the disruption to local roads and crofting rights. Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen, a billionaire couple who own land nearby, also raised concerns about the spaceport’s effects on the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands, a Special Protection Area.

In fact, the couple invested nearly £1.5 million in a rival spaceport project—SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland—further intensifying opposition to the Sutherland site.

A Setback for the Spaceport

In early December 2024, Orbex, one of the key backers of the Sutherland Spaceport, made a surprising announcement. The company decided to pause construction and shift its focus to launching rockets from SaxaVord instead. Orbex is a rocket manufacturer based in Forres, Moray, employing about 150 people. CEO Phil Chambers explained that the primary goal was to support the European space industry, aiming for a first launch in 2025.

He noted, “This decision will help us achieve our launch goals more efficiently and strengthen SaxaVord’s commercial appeal. It’s a win for the UK and Scottish space industries.”

Sutherland Spaceport Investment Breakdown

The Sutherland Spaceport project was expected to cost around £17 million. Investments include £1.9 million from HIE grants, £2 million from HIE previously, and additional funding from the UK Space Agency and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

What’s Next for Sutherland Spaceport?

Despite the setback, Melness Crofters’ Estate remains committed to making the spaceport operational. A spokesperson said, “We’ve always seen this as an opportunity for the wider community, not just for Melness. There are very few job opportunities for young people here, and this could spark future growth for the area.”

Local investments from the estate have already led to the development of affordable housing projects for the area, showing the positive ripple effect the spaceport could have had on the community.

HIE expressed disappointment over the latest turn of events but reiterated its commitment to the local community. The agency remains dedicated to exploring ways to bring positive changes to north Sutherland and hopes to find a path forward for the spaceport’s future.


Source: BBC


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