Space / Space firm shifts from Sutherland to SaxaVord
SPACE company Orbex has confirmed it is shifting its launch operations to SaxaVord in Unst – putting a proposed spaceport in Sutherland on pause.
The decision enables the company to direct more funding to the development of a new, medium-sized launch vehicle called Proxima.
Orbex will however retain its lease to build and operate its own spaceport at Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, giving it flexibility to increase launch capacity in the future.
The move from Sutherland to Shetland can be regarded as a major scoop for SaxaVord as it solidifies the Unst based facility’s position as the only licenced spaceport in the UK.
“It’s a big day for us, and it makes a lot of sense for both sides” SaxaVord’s chief executive Frank Strang told Shetland News.
“It allows the world to focus on SaxaVord.”
It means that Orbex will focus on developing its launch capabilities rather than building a space port in Sutherland.
Strang confirmed that SaxaVord had already started on work to complete its second launch pad to facilitate a first Orbex launch campaign by the end of next year.
Orbex chief executive Phil Chambers 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.”
Photo: Malcolm Younger/Millgaet Media
SaxaVord Spaceport CEO Frank Strang said the Unst team were “delighted” to welcome Orbex.
“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 licenced, and in a position to support their upcoming launches,” he said.
“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.”
Other space and rocket companies including RFA and HyImpulse also intend to use SaxaVord for putting satellites into space, with launches expected in 2025.
Orbex 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 also said it better positions the business to participate in a European Space Agency competition to assist with the development of European launch capabilities and to service institutional and commercial contracts.
Chambers added: “Medium-sized space rockets will play an important role in the European space industry in years to come. It is part of our strategic plan to offer the market a medium-sized launcher that will compete in Europe for larger payloads.
“Pausing the construction of our own spaceport enables us to now focus on developing this offering.”
Orbex will be consulting with the three staff employed on the project to identify options for relocation or new roles.
Chambers said: “While we appreciate this news means pausing the construction plans at Sutherland, we are still committed to the North of Scotland at our facilities in Forres and we look forward to building our presence at SaxaVord in Shetland as well.
“The decision to pause construction was not taken lightly. We are incredibly grateful to the Sutherland community for being so supportive of our initial plans to build our first spaceport there.”
Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart hailed the news as a “great boost” for the spaceport at SaxaVord, as well as the community of Unst and the wider economy.
“The global space community is interested in the growing satellite launch market in Scotland and SaxaVord is the right place for that continued interest and activity,” she said.
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