Major Project - Space - Focus North
Creation of a facility on the Moine, North Sutherland to launch small payload (<500kg) satellites.
Major Project - Sutherland Spaceport
The project arose from interest shown by the satellite launch industry to launch their customer’s satellites into low earth polar and sun-synchronous orbits.
Such a facility would provide local and economic development opportunities, whilst achieving UK government aspirations of capturing 10% of the multi-billion pound satellite market over the next decade.
To achieve this safely, operators required access to a north-facing launch site and related facilities overlooking the open ocean.
In July 2018, The UK Space Agency (UKSA) agreed that the optimal location of the Moine in Sutherland was the best solution to address this opportunity.
Space Hub Sutherland, which is being developed by HIE, is the first vertical satellite launch site to secure planning permission in the UK and could become Europe’s first continental orbital spaceport.
To find out more about the jobs and skills necessary to work in this market, go to Skills Development Scotland’s website My World of Work.
The North Highland and Moray Space Cluster Strategy, developed by Caithness Chamber of Commerce on behalf of CNSRP outlines 12 recommendations to inform an action plan to be driven by the Local Space Leadership Group supporting the creation of up to 740 jobs and £56m GVA for the Highlands and Islands by 2030.
