Orbex Makes Strategic U-Turn, Abandons Construction of Sutherland Spaceport
Artist’s rendition of Sutherland Spaceport. Photo: UK Space Agency
Orbex has made a surprising move as it looks to build a profitable launch business, abandoning the development of the Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland in the process. The Scottish space transportation/launch company will now focus its operations exclusively on developing small- and medium-sized space rockets after switching its launch operations to SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.
Orbex will no longer construct its own spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland, which will be a loss for this northern highland region in Scotland that hoped the spaceport could help local businesses in the region. The company announced the move, Dec. 4.
While Orbex says the construction of the Sutherland Spaceport is on “pause,” there are now concerns about the future of the Sutherland Spaceport. While Orbex will retain its lease to build and operate its own spaceport at Sutherland, this Spaceport faces an uncertain future. The company began construction on the spaceport last year.
Orbex will instead launch its first rockets from SaxaVord in a major strategic shift. The decision enables the company to direct more funding to the development of a new, medium-sized launch vehicle called Proxima. The company is planning to increase the size of its manufacturing capability in Forres to ensure it can meet demand for its smaller vehicle, known as Prime. It will now also use the site to develop a new medium launch vehicle, which will enable Orbex to send more and larger satellites into orbit.
“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 LEO. 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 U.K. and Scottish space,” Phil Chambers, CEO, Orbex, said in a statement.
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