Orbex to "build and manage" Space Hub Sutherland

Aerospace firm Orbex is to take over responsibility for the construction and running of Space Hub Sutherland from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), it has been announced.

Orbex, which has a base in Forres, is to oversee construction and assume full operational management of the multi-million pound facility, which will become its long-term “home spaceport”.

HIE said the move would “stimulate significant private investment that will benefit the local community through job creation, supply chain opportunities and other associated economic benefits”.

Up to 40 on-site technical and non-technical jobs are expected to be created to operate and maintain the spaceport. It is thought the facility will generate around 250 jobs in the wider region.

Sutherland MP Jamie Stone has welcomed the move, saying it was a “significant step forward” for the site.

He said: “I welcome this news. I am keenly aware that every job counts in remote parts like the Far North. This is an important step towards realising a project that could make a real difference for this area during the years to come.”

HIE began developing plans for the Sutherland spaceport in 2018, with the backing of the UK Space Agency and specialist input from architects.

A lease was signed with Melness Crofters Estate to take over a remote 10-acre area of ground for the spaceport at the Mhoine, near Tongue.

Orbex, which is developing a 19-metre orbital rocket called Prime, was identified as the potential major user of Space Hub Sutherland.

Under the terms of the planning consent granted by Highland Council in 2020, up to 12 vertical launches a year will be permitted. Rockets will carry commercial satellites into low earth orbit.

HIE has now said it is to sublease the site to Orbex for 50 years with an option for a further 25 years.

“Overseeing the construction and operational management of the new spaceport will allow Orbex to streamline the development of the state-of-the art facility, drafting in industry experts to help meet its objectives,” said HIE.

It has been confirmed that American firm Jacobs, which provides engineering, technical, professional and construction services, will assume the role of prime construction contractor on behalf of Orbex.

Jacobs, which is NASA’s largest service provider, recently took part in Orbex’s latest funding round.

HIE director of strategic projects David Oxley said: “With Orbex now set to build and operate the spaceport, we’ve reached a key stage in our partnership that will not only see launches happening from Sutherland but a whole range of wider economic benefits delivered for the Highlands and Islands.”

Orbex chief executive Chris Larmour said: “We are very grateful for the work that HIE and the Melness Crofters Estate have done in getting us to the point where we can take the baton and start construction.

“We have collaborated closely with them over the past few years and we are completely aligned in our vision of delivering a sustainable spaceport that will bring jobs and prosperity to the region.

“Orbex is the first European launcher company to also manage a dedicated spaceport. It is an important competitive advantage to the company, which will make it really easy for us to work with customers as we scale up our operations.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.