A Scottish rocket manufacturer and launch services provider is to build and operate the first vertical launch site for satellites on the UK mainland.
Orbex has signed a lease with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the spaceport location on community-owned land on the A’ Mhoine peninsula in north west Sutherland.
HIE has been developing launch plans for several years and leases the site from Melness Crofters’ Estate. The sub-lease with Orbex will run for 50 years, with an option to extend for a further 25 years.