Author Topic: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland  (Read 11239 times)

Offline Star One

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13996
  • UK
  • Liked: 3974
  • Likes Given: 220
UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« on: 07/15/2018 08:09 pm »
To be announced at Farnborough.

Quote
Business Secretary Greg Clark is set to announce that Sutherland, on Scotland's north coast, has been chosen as the site for the UK's first spaceport.

It will initially host launches of space rockets and satellites, but commercial passenger travel could then follow, getting Brits that little bit close to an out-of-this-world trip.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5955517/Scotland-join-space-race-north-coast-site-announced-week.html

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/brits-take-one-step-closer-12918088

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-44838787
« Last Edit: 07/15/2018 08:16 pm by Star One »

Offline Dao Angkan

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 233
  • Liked: 77
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #1 on: 07/15/2018 08:45 pm »
Press Release;

Quote
Sutherland could be a new site for vertically-launched space rockets and satellites as the Government makes £2 million available to fund further horizontal launch spaceport sites across Britain – including Newquay, Glasgow Prestwick and Snowdonia – subject to business case.

The Sutherland spaceport, which could see lift-off from the early 2020s and create hundreds of new jobs, is one of a number of Government-backed space projects that will be announced at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The commercial space sector is estimated to be worth a potential £3.8 billion to the UK economy over the next decade and will support Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy by creating high-skilled jobs and boosting local economies.

UK Space Agency selected the Sutherland site because Scotland is the best place in the UK to reach highly sought-after satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets.

Initial funding of £2.5 million will go to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop the launch site in Sutherland, which will use innovative rocket technology to ensure Britain is a leading force in the global spaceflight market.

Horizontal launch sites have potential to play a key role in the UK’s future spaceflight market, attracting companies from all over the world to invest in Britain for the launch of their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and spaceplane ambitions.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “As a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, we want Britain to be the first place in mainland Europe to launch satellites as part of our modern Industrial Strategy. The UK’s thriving space industry, research community and aerospace supply chain put the UK in a leading position to develop both vertical and horizontal launch sites.

“This will build on our global reputation for manufacturing small satellites and help the whole country capitalise on the huge potential of the commercial space age.”

Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “The decision to support the UK’s first spaceport in Sutherland is tremendous news for our region and for Scotland as a whole. The international space sector is growing and we want to ensure the region is ready to reap the economic benefits that will be generated from this fantastic opportunity.”

Will Whitehorn, Non-Executive Chairman of Clyde Space said: “From designing and building the very first satellite in Scotland, Clyde Space has grown and become a front runner in small-satellite manufacturing.  Having a spaceport located in Scotland will bring about a whole host of commercial advantages and not only to our operations in Glasgow, but to the entire space sector in the whole of the UK.”

Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global, said: “A spaceport in Scotland and the UK is fantastic news! Launch continues to be the most unpredictable part of the overall supply chain, with delays, often for months and sometimes years, being the norm. In Spire, Scotland already sports Europe’s most advanced and prolific satellite manufacturing capability, and with a space port right next door, enabling clockwork like launches, we can finally get our space sector supply chain to be truly integrated!”

Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “This grant will help to kick-start an exciting new era for the UK space industry, and this is only the beginning of our LaunchUK campaign. We are committed to supporting a commercial market for access to space in the UK, and we will continue to engage with any company who seeks to operate here.”

So £2.5m for vertical launch at Sutherland (Lockheed Martin backed consortium, rumoured to be for Rocket Labs' Electron), along with £2m for horizontal launch at other sites.

Offline Dao Angkan

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 233
  • Liked: 77
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #2 on: 07/15/2018 11:58 pm »
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44841123

Quote
Lockheed has made no secret of its desire to bring the Electron rocket to Scotland. Currently, this vehicle flies out of New Zealand.

A British version of the rocket would have an upper-stage developed and built at LM's UK HQ in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

"This is a defining moment for UK Space," a spokesperson for the company told BBC News. "Lockheed Martin has been working with Britain for over 80 years and we stand ready to support the development of UK launch capability should our extensive experience in developing space infrastructure be called upon."

Quote
£2m of this is to be made available to continue investigations into the siting of a "horizontal launch" spaceport as well.

This would see a modified aeroplane leave a British runway, climb to altitude somewhere out over the ocean and then release a rocket that can put the satellite in orbit. A number of such systems are presently in development.

One making waves at the moment is owned by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. His Virgin Orbit company, based in Long Beach, California, has converted an old Virgin Atlantic 747 to dispense its LauncherOne rocket - a maiden flight for which is imminent.

Cornwall, in particular, is very keen to have Virgin Orbit operate out of Newquay airport. The council and the California company will sign a partnership agreement at the air show. A first mission is being targeted for 2021.

Edit: It looks like Newquay has been selected for horizontal launch;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44840954

Quote
Theresa May is to promise extra investment for the aerospace industry just days after Airbus threatened to reduce its UK presence because of Brexit disruption.

...

At a speech at the Farnborough Airshow on Monday, she will offer more than £300m of government money for several projects, including research on more environmentally-friendly aircraft.

There will be additional money for two new spaceports - one in Cornwall, one in Scotland - and a long-awaited commitment to build a new high-tech fighter aircraft that will eventually replace the Eurofighter Typhoon.
« Last Edit: 07/16/2018 12:28 am by Dao Angkan »

Offline Dao Angkan

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 233
  • Liked: 77
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #3 on: 07/16/2018 01:52 pm »
Orbex to launch their "Prime" rocket from Sutherland too. No mention of any specific funding for Spaceport Cornwall.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lockheed-martin-and-orbex-to-launch-uk-into-new-space-age

Quote
Lockheed Martin and Orbex to launch UK into new space age

Lockheed Martin and Orbex are investing in space launch operations and bringing innovative new technology to Britain, Business Secretary Greg Clark announced today (Monday 16 July) during the Farnborough International Airshow.


    Lockheed Martin to establish vertical launch operations in Sutherland, Scotland and develop innovative technologies in Reading, Berkshire with support from two UK Space Agency grants totalling £23.5 million
    A further £5.5 million will go to British company Orbex to build an innovative new rocket for launch from Sutherland, as part of Government’s modern Industrial Strategy
    This builds on awards of £2.5m to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop a vertical launch spaceport in Sutherland and a £2m development fund for horizontal spaceports such as those planned in Cornwall, Glasgow Prestwick and Snowdonia
    Government support for launch is the first step towards a potential Space Sector Deal and the development of a national space programme

Under the plans, global space leader Lockheed Martin and innovative spaceflight company Orbex will launch rockets into space from the north coast of Scotland.

The grants from the UK Space Agency consist of:

    Two separate grants worth a combined £23.5 million to Lockheed Martin to establish vertical launch operations at Sutherland using proven technology and to develop an innovative new system in Reading for deploying small satellites. Known as an orbital manoeuvring vehicle, this will be the upper stage of Lockheed Martin’s rocket and will deploy up to six small satellites to separate orbits.

    £5.5 million to UK-based Orbex to build an innovative new rocket for launch from Sutherland, with the support of British manufacturing operations and supply chains. Their orbital launch vehicle, called Prime, will deliver small satellites into Earth’s orbit, using a single renewable fuel, bio-propane, that cuts carbon emissions by 90% compared to hydrocarbon fuels.

The companies will work together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which has been awarded £2.5 million to develop a vertical launch site in Sutherland.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said:

“As a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, we want Britain to be the first place in mainland Europe to launch satellites as part of our Industrial Strategy. The UK’s thriving space industry, research community and aerospace supply chain put the UK in a leading position to develop both vertical and horizontal launch sites.

“This will build on our global reputation for manufacturing small satellites and help the whole country capitalise on the huge potential of the commercial space age.”

Horizontal launch sites have significant potential in a future UK spaceflight market, which could attract companies from all over the world to invest in Britain. Sites such as Newquay, Glasgow Prestwick and Snowdonia will be boosted by a new £2m fund to grow their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and spaceplane ambitions.

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

“The UK’s space sector is thriving and satellite benefits our lives every day, from banking to transport, and agriculture to entertainment.

“Our Space Industry Act will allow the UK to tap into and develop new commercial space opportunities, with the potential for hundreds of new regional jobs and billions of revenue for British business across the country.

“Today’s announcement is not only exciting for Sutherland, but with industry expertise up and down the country it will drive growth and further regional opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales.”

Britain’s Space Sector has set out ambitious plans to build on its global leadership in satellites and applications using space data to create a hub in the UK for new commercial space services, as set out in the Prosperity from Space report published in May. 

The Government’s modern Industrial Strategy identified spaceports as a key economic opportunity and a priority for the UK’s space strategy. The UK is an attractive destination for space businesses and the north of Scotland is well-placed to reach in-demand satellite orbits.

Patrick Wood, Lockheed Martin’s UK Country Executive for Space, said:

“The UK Space Agency’s strategic vision for a world-class launch market will position the nation for a very bright future in space. Lockheed Martin will apply its 50 years of experience in small satellite engineering, launch services and ground operations, as well as a network of UK-based and international teammates, to deliver new technologies, new capabilities and new economic opportunities.”

Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex, said:

“We’re delighted to have been selected after a highly competitive and detailed process. Orbex is one of the very few private spaceflight companies with credible practical experience in the development of launch vehicles and rocket engines. With the support of this grant from the UK Space Agency, we will soon be launching small satellites into orbit from British soil and helping to transform the UK into an important hub for commercial space launch operations.”

Following its call for grant proposals in Spring 2017, the UK Space Agency assessed 26 proposals to determine what would deliver the best value for money and strategic opportunity for the growth of the UK space sector.

A number of sites across the UK are developing their spaceport plans and engaging with regulators, demonstrating the scale of the industry’s ambition and confidence in a future UK spaceflight market, which could attract companies from all over the world to invest in Britain. Launches will be regulated under the Space Industry Act 2018.

The UK and US will also soon begin formal negotiations towards a Technology Safeguards Agreement, which will establish the legal and technical safeguards that can support U.S. space launch vehicles to operate from UK launch sites. Attracting US operators to the UK will enhance our space capabilities and boost the whole market.

Offline Star One

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13996
  • UK
  • Liked: 3974
  • Likes Given: 220
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #4 on: 07/16/2018 06:11 pm »
Quote
Lockheed didn’t disclose the vehicle that will launch from Sutherland, but industry sources have identified the vehicle as Rocket Lab’s Electron. Lockheed Martin made a strategic investment in Rocket Lab in 2015.

https://spacenews.com/lockheed-martin-orbex-to-launch-from-new-british-spaceport/

Offline John Santos

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 251
  • Liked: 239
  • Likes Given: 143
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #5 on: 07/16/2018 10:41 pm »
Press Release;

Quote

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “As a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, we want Britain to be the first place in mainland Europe to launch satellites as part of our modern Industrial Strategy. The UK’s thriving space industry, research community and aerospace supply chain put the UK in a leading position to develop both vertical and horizontal launch sites.

Not to be snarky, but ... Yes, to be snarky:

I don't think Scotland counts as part of "mainland Europe" since it's on an island.  On the other hand aren't both Kaputsin Yar and Plesetsk in Europe?

Offline Dao Angkan

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 233
  • Liked: 77
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #6 on: 07/16/2018 11:12 pm »
Presumably he meant to say "Western Europe", but misspoke.

Offline Star One

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13996
  • UK
  • Liked: 3974
  • Likes Given: 220
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #7 on: 07/17/2018 08:03 pm »
Quote
Rocket Lab said in a statement late Monday that it is “evaluating launch opportunities” from the Sutherland spaceport in Scotland.

“Electron is well-positioned to be the first orbital rocket launched from U.K. soil,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO. “We’re excited to review the opportunity to develop a launch service to support the U.K. space industry’s growth.

“Every aspect of Rocket Lab’s launch model is designed to offer rapid, repeatable and precise delivery to orbit for small satellites,” Beck said in a statement. “The development of launch sites around the globe that can support Electron launches is crucial to delivering unprecedented access to orbit.”

Quote
“The countdown to the first orbital rocket launch from U.K. soil has officially begun,” said Patrick Wood, Lockheed Martin’s U.K. country executive for space, in a written statement. “The U.K. Government has stated its desire to grow the U.K.’s space sector to ten percent of the global space economy by 2030. We are proud to be selected to help them achieve this goal. This initiative will not only spark advancements in science and innovation, it will create new opportunities for current and future U.K.-based suppliers to become part of the next space age.”

Lockheed Martin said in a statement it will provide “strategic support and guidance” to the Scottish government in developing the Sutherland launch site.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/07/16/scotland-site-selected-as-launch-base-for-lockheed-martin-orbex/

UK rocket launch programme to draw on Lockheed Martin-linked Electron

Quote
Lockheed Martin fleshed out its UK Space Agency-backed plans to bring a space launch capability to Scotland from 2020 – with a US-developed rocket now blasting off from New Zealand.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-uk-rocket-launch-programme-to-draw-on-l-450368/
« Last Edit: 07/17/2018 08:30 pm by Star One »

Offline Dao Angkan

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 233
  • Liked: 77
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #8 on: 07/18/2018 08:18 pm »
Space centre signs deal with aerospace giant

Quote
THE COMPANY behind plans to develop a space centre on the island of Unst has joined forces with Shetland Islands Council (SIC) and Lockheed Martin, one of the world's largest aerospace companies, to create a satellite tracking and communication centre on the UK's most northerly island.

Shetland Space Centre project director Scott Hammond, SIC chief executive Maggie Sandison and Patrick Wood, head of Lockheed Martin Space UK, signed a memorandum of understanding at the Farnborough Airshow on Wednesday.

The agreement for a satellite tracking centre, but not a vertical satellite launch base at this stage, was welcomed by Shetland MSP Tavish Scott who said that the signing was a "highly significant day for Unst".

Wood said Lockheed Martin was committed to supporting the UK's goal of expanding its national space industry.

Mr Wood said: "As the UK launches into the next space age, the Shetland Space Centre is the perfect location for vital ground stations as well as space situational awareness technology," he said.

"This effort is a strong complement to our work on the UK Spaceflight Programme, where we will launch the first orbital rocket from UK soil. The future of space across the UK is very bright."

...
« Last Edit: 07/18/2018 08:20 pm by Dao Angkan »

Offline Asteroza

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2836
  • Liked: 1084
  • Likes Given: 33
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #9 on: 07/20/2018 02:55 am »
Will these be multi-user clean pads with a shared blockhouse?

Offline SciNews

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 812
  • Romania
  • Liked: 737
  • Likes Given: 6
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #10 on: 07/20/2018 08:26 am »
British frustration with space is amusing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/embed/p06f07ks/44861952
Dounreay site supporting Sutherland satellite bid
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-44858763
Quote
Companies involved in the decommissioning of Dounreay nuclear power site are supporting a project to establish a satellite launch site in Sutherland.

Offline Dao Angkan

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 233
  • Liked: 77
  • Likes Given: 44
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #11 on: 07/20/2018 11:41 pm »
Will these be multi-user clean pads with a shared blockhouse?

Orbex stakes claim to European smallsat launch market

Quote
The company is beginning planning for using the spaceport in northern Scotland that the British government announced July 15. That facility will be shared with Lockheed Martin, which plans to bring in another vehicle, most likely Rocket Lab’s Electron, to launch small satellites.

While Electron and Prime are similar in performance, they have a number of key differences, including different fuels: Electron uses RP-1 while Prime uses propane. Larmour said he expected that the two companies would have separate launch pads at the spaceport while sharing some common infrastructure, like range safety and site security.

“We’ll spend the next few months talking to all kinds of stakeholders involved,” he said. “Where it’s helpful to work in common, we’ll do it.”
« Last Edit: 07/20/2018 11:42 pm by Dao Angkan »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #12 on: 02/12/2020 10:56 am »
Quote
Plans submitted for satellite launch site in Sutherland
Published: 11/02/2020

The latest generation of small communications satellites could be launched into Earth orbit from the northern Highlands of Scotland within the next two years.

Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has submitted a planning application for a vertical launch site, Space Hub Sutherland, that it plans to construct on the A’ Mhoine peninsula, Melness, near Tongue.

If the application is approved, construction on Europe’s first vertical launch site could begin later this year, with launches starting as early as 2022.   

In time, up to 12 launches a year could be made from Sutherland, carrying small, commercial satellites that will typically be used for Earth observation.

An economic impact assessment submitted with the planning application estimates that developing the space hub would create around 61 high quality jobs in Caithness and Sutherland, an area where the population is falling and unemployment levels are above average.

Forty-four of these jobs would be in Melness and Tongue. Skills required on-site will include mechanical and electrical engineering, weather monitoring, control room operations, ground services, security, management and marketing.

A total of around 250 well-paid jobs are expected to be generated across the region and at national level, including through manufacturing and supply chain opportunities.

HIE has approved up to £17.3m to design and build the space hub, made up of funding from HIE itself (£9.8m), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (£5m), and the UKSA (£2.5m).

Designed by NORR Architects, the facility would comprise a launch control centre, a single launch pad and associated infrastructure, including roadways, fuel storage, office premises, and antennas. A temporary lightning tower would also be installed at the launch pad around flight days.

The planning application includes measures to address and minimise impacts on the land and marine environments. HIE aims to make the project carbon neutral and has spent two years gathering data and assessing potential effects on wildlife and the local habitat which is characterised by large areas of peatland. Levels of light and noise that could be generated, especially around launch times, are also examined.

David Oxley, director of business growth with HIE, believes that establishing vertical launch capability will mark a major advance for Scotland’s growing space sector.

“This is a truly unique and innovative venture that aims to create the first launch site of its kind in Europe,” said Mr Oxley.

“Space presents a huge economic opportunity for Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands is well placed to benefit substantially.

“Even before the space hub is built, we’ve already received a huge vote of confidence from launch company Orbex, who established a manufacturing facility in Forres just over a year ago.

“That’s an indication of the wider economic benefits that will be generated by establishing a launch facility, and there is great potential for more to follow in other parts of our region.

“We’re very mindful of the need to respect the natural environment and have been diligent in designing measures that will minimise the environmental impact of construction and operations.

“We’ve also held numerous public events and the current shape of the project has been informed by the views of local people and statutory consultees.

“Now that the application is in, we very much hope that people will take the time to study our plans carefully and look forward to the council making a decision in due course.”

Emma Floyd, commercial spaceflight director with the UK Space Agency, said:

“Satellite launch from the UK is due to take another giant leap forward with the progress at Sutherland and other sites across the UK.

“We’re committed to backing our growing space sector, which generates an income of £14.8 billion and creates thousands of high skilled jobs.”

VIEW THE PLANNING APPLICATION
You can see our planning application on the Highland Council website.

https://www.hie.co.uk/latest-news/2020/february/11/plans-submitted-for-satellite-launch-site-in-sutherland/

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #13 on: 02/12/2020 11:07 am »
There are 97 documents submitted with the planning application ...

https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=Q5CD2AIHKTF00

A selection attached
« Last Edit: 02/12/2020 11:08 am by FutureSpaceTourist »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #14 on: 06/22/2020 01:08 pm »
Quote
Space Hub Sutherland recommended for approval
1 hour ago


Highland Council officials have recommended councillors give planning permission for a space port.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) wants to build the satellite launch site on peatland on the Moine Peninsula near Tongue.

Council officials have said launches should be limited to 12 per year.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-53136212

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #15 on: 08/03/2020 06:38 pm »
https://twitter.com/orbexspace/status/1290341798653681664

Quote
Good news for Orbex's home spaceport in the Scottish Highlands this evening as @scotgov give clearance to the Sutherland Space Hub planning decision.

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #16 on: 08/19/2020 12:28 pm »
Quote
Space Hub Sutherland wins planning approval
19/08/2020

Ambitious plans to launch satellites into orbit from the north Highlands of Scotland have been approved by the area’s local authority.

Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) intends to create Space Hub Sutherland on land owned by Melness Crofters Estate on the A’ Mhòine peninsula, south of Tongue.

HIE had submitted plans in February this year, including an extensive environmental impact assessment. Following a period of public consultation, these were considered on 26 June by the Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee.

Although the committee was minded to approve the application, the council was required to notify Scottish Ministers, as part of arrangements to ensure government overview of spaceport planning applications.

On 3 August, the Scottish Government announced that ministers did not intend to intervene and the council was free to determine the outcome of HIE’s application, which it has now done.

The decision means that small commercial satellites and launch vehicles designed and manufactured in Scotland could be taking off from Sutherland within the next few years.

Up to 12 launches a year will be permitted from the spaceport, which will include a control centre, 2.5km of road and a launch pad, occupying a total of just over 10 acres of the 740-acre site.

HIE has approved a budget of £17.3m to develop Space Hub Sutherland, including funding from the UK Space Agency and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Planning approval is subject to a set of 34 conditions, including measures to ensure operations are carried out safely and strict protection measures are implemented and monitored to protect the natural environment.

Scottish Government Innovation Minister Ivan McKee said:

“I very much welcome the decision of the Highland Council to approve the planning application for Space Hub Sutherland, which will support around 250 well-paid jobs in the Highlands and Islands, including 61 in Caithness and Sutherland.

“This is the first of Scotland’s spaceport projects to clear the planning process and it represents a significant step forward for both the project and Scotland’s aspiration to offer the full end to end capability for manufacturing and launching small satellites and analysing their data.

“The space sector has a key role to play in the fight against global climate change and this milestone has been achieved through the hard work of the Sutherland team in partnership with the local community, leading experts and public bodies.”

Graham Turnock, CEO, UK Space Agency said:

“Growing our domestic launch capability will bring new jobs and investments to communities in all corners of the UK. Space Hub Sutherland is an integral part of these plans and today’s news strengthens our position as Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches.

“The UK government is committed to minimising the environmental impact of spaceflight activities and is developing a National Space Strategy which recognises the unique contribution of satellite technology to our understanding of global issues like climate change.”

David Oxley, director of business growth with HIE, also welcomed the council’s decision.

“The UK’s space ambitions present a wonderful opportunity for the Highlands and Islands,” he said.

“A vertical launch spaceport is a key piece of the national jigsaw, along with the design and manufacture of satellites and launch vehicles, that will ensure Scotland can derive maximum economic benefits from this growing and exciting sector.

“Another important aspect is the role that satellites launched from Sutherland will play in gathering data that will help people around the world to understand and address the impacts of climate change.

 “In developing our plans, we have always been very mindful of the environmental challenges presented by a project of this kind. Part of our ambition is to create the world’s most low-carbon space centre and the conditions applied to the planning approval will help us make that a reality.

 “When all these factors are put together, that makes today’s decision a good result not just for the economy, but for the environment as well.”

https://www.hie.co.uk/latest-news/2020/august/19/space-hub-sutherland-wins-planning-approval/

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #17 on: 09/02/2020 07:56 am »
Quote
Space Hub Sutherland application submitted to Scottish Land Court
Published 31/08/2020

Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is applying to the Scottish Land Court for consent to build, operate and, ultimately, decommission Space Hub Sutherland on a crofting estate on the A’Mhoine peninsula.

The spaceport plans have already received planning approval from the Highland Council, with up to 12 launches a year permitted.

Scottish Land Court consent is required as the project would be developed on crofting land, currently classed as common grazing.

The 2,464 acre site (759 acres for core subjects, plus a 1,705-acre exclusion zone) is owned by Melness Crofters Estate, who have granted HIE a lease option.

Infrastructure planned for the spaceport includes a control centre, assembly facilities, offices, roadway, launch pad and antennas. These would occupy up to 13 acres within the core subjects’ area.

Any crofter with livestock on the common grazing would be asked to move their animals for periods around launch days. Removal would be arranged by the committee of the common grazings, who would receive compensation from the developer. 

Space Hub Sutherland will be a small-scale, commercial spaceport, launching micro-satellites into orbit. HIE expects satellites launched from Sutherland to be used for telecommunications and Earth observation, including weather mapping and gathering data to monitor climate change.

Vertical launch is recognised as a key element of the UK’s growing space capability and the Sutherland project has the potential to support up to 250 high quality jobs in the Highlands and Islands, including more than 40 at the launch site itself.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with a view to first launch potentially taking place before the end of 2022.

https://www.hie.co.uk/latest-news/2020/august/31/space-hub-sutherland-application-submitted-to-scottish-land-court/

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #18 on: 08/20/2021 06:17 pm »
https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1428701135687270401

Quote
Danish billionaire Anders Povlsen's petition against Spaceport Sutherland has had his case dismissed.

The judge ruled against Povlsen on every count.

"With this ruling, the countdown to space launch from the UK can begin," Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex.

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/docs/default-source/cos-general-docs/pdf-docs-for-opinions/2021csoh87.pdf?sfvrsn=d4211a96_1

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48137
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81617
  • Likes Given: 36928
Re: UK spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland
« Reply #19 on: 04/23/2023 06:07 am »
https://twitter.com/peterguthriehie/status/1649363254311804928

Quote
Delighted the construction of @SpaceSutherland will begin next week. The initial phase will be undertaken by local business, Gunn of Lybster. After five years on the project, its quite the milestone! Massive credit to @orbexspace, @JacobsConnects and @gt_llp for getting here.

Tags:
 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
0