Sutherland Spaceport Project Faces Uncertainty

The site designated for the UK’s inaugural spaceport, located on a Highland peatbog, appears unlikely to host rocket launches from Sutherland Spaceport in the near future, over six years following its confirmation by a UK government announcement. Situated on the A’Mhoine Peninsula, characterized by moorland, peatbogs, grazing pastures, lochs, and hills in north west Sutherland, the 86-acre (35ha) location is owned by Melness Crofters’ Estate. This estate, encompassing a total of 10,000 acres (4,074 ha), is managed by crofters, who practice a distinct Scottish system of land tenure and farming known as crofting. Residences closest to the spaceport’s perimeter are located just over two miles (3km) distant. The community of Tongue, with approximately 500 inhabitants, lies about four miles (6km) away. This region has been promoted as one of Europe’s limited locations that is both sparsely populated and suitably positioned for vertical launches of small rockets into space. Its north-facing coastline facilitates rocket trajectories that bypass inhabited areas, making it an optimal site for deploying small satellites into commercially advantageous orbits. The proposal for Sutherland included 12 annual launches and satellites intended for climate change monitoring. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), a public agency, has been at the forefront of this initiative, having previously stated that the spaceport would generate essential highly skilled employment and investment for the Highlands. The facility was envisioned as a component of a broader network of spaceports. Following the announcement of a support package by Conservative business secretary Greg Clark in July 2018 at the Farnborough International Air Show, the project achieved several planning milestones. However, its progression has encountered significant challenges. Certain crofters raised objections, citing worries regarding the spaceport’s potential effects on the environment, local infrastructure, and crofting entitlements. Additionally, billionaire couple Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen, who possess land adjacent to the location, voiced opposition due to concerns about its influence on the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Protection Area. Their resistance extended to an investment of nearly £1.5m in a competing venture, Shetland’s SaxaVord Spaceport. In early December, it was reported that Orbex, a key financial supporter of Sutherland Spaceport, had declared a halt to construction, shifting its focus to launching its initial rockets from SaxaVord instead. The rocket manufacturer, which provides employment for 150 individuals at its factory in Forres, Moray, indicated that future completion of the Highland site remained a possibility. However, chief executive Phil Chambers stated: “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.” HIE characterized the decision as an “unexpected change in direction,” yet emphasized Orbex’s substantial role and status as an employer within the UK space industry. Melness Crofters’ Estate (MCE) expressed its desire to collaborate with HIE and Orbex to make the spaceport operational. A spokesperson informed BBC Scotland News: “We were never just doing this for Melness. “We saw this as planting a seed of something from which other opportunities could grow for the wider community in the north.”There are very few job opportunities for young people in our area.” The spokesperson further added: “Our payments from the rental of our land have already resulted in MCE investing in several other local projects.”There are plans for 12 affordable houses in planning at the moment.” HIE stated that the ramifications of Orbex’s decision were uncertain. It also conveyed: “We want to send a clear message to local people in north Sutherland that we are deeply disappointed at this turn of events and remain committed to working with them to develop a positive future for Melness and the surrounding area.”