Orbex – the UK-based private, low-cost orbital launch services specialist – had previously committed in 2022 to build and operate the Southerland space port, and broke ground on the site in May 2023.
Now, however, the company has decided to “pause” construction of its own spaceport in Sutherland. It will instead launch its first rockets from SaxaVord.
It says the decision will enable it to direct more funding to the development of a new, medium-sized launch vehicle, Proxima.
Launch operations
Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said: “Orbex is first and foremost a launch services specialist. 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.”
For its part, SaxaVord, welcomed the new arrival:
“We’re delighted to welcome Orbex to SaxaVord. Given the scale of their ambition and the evolution of their offer to include a medium-sized launch vehicle, it makes sense for Orbex to start operations from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is already licensed and in a position to support their upcoming launches,” said Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport.
“The UK’s space industry is developing very quickly and requires the associated economies of scale and synergies to maintain its competitiveness for launch services from Europe.”
Forres
Apparently, Orbex is planning to increase the size of its manufacturing capability in Forres, Inverness. This is to ensure it can meet demand for its smaller vehicle, known as Prime.
It will now also use the new site to develop its new medium launch vehicle. The rocket will enable Orbex to send more and larger satellites into orbit.
The company says the change also better positions it to participate in the European Launcher Challenge. This is an ESA-run competition to help develop European launch capabilities and service commercial contracts.
Orbex says it will be consulting with the three staff employed on the project. This will be to identify options for relocation or new roles.
Spaceports
The UK Space Agency recognises seven possible spaceports. Five are in Scotland, one in Wales and one in England.
They are: Spaceport 1 (Scolpaig Farm, North Uist,Outer Hebrides, Scotland), Spaceport Machrihanish (Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland), Prestwick Spaceport (Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland), Space Hub Sutherland (A’ Mhòine peninsula, Sutherland, Scotland), SaxaVord (Lamba Ness, Unst, Shetland Islands), Spaceport Snowdonia (Llanbedr, Gwynedd, Wales) and Spaceport Cornwall (Cornwall Airport, Newquay, England).
Inevitably, they are jockeying to achieve the first satellite launch from UK (or European) soil. Within Scotland alone, for example, Prestwick Spaceport has emerged as a min contender. This will be for horizontal launches, however, from modified aircraft. Southerland and SaxaVord are focusing on vertical rocket-based launches.
See also: Orbex unveils prototype of 3D-printed Prime space rocket
