Space
Once a distant ambition, the space sector is now becoming a reality in the North Highlands. Years of partnership working have led to A’Mhoine in north-west Sutherland being selected as the site for what could become the UK’s first carbon-neutral spaceport.
The site’s remote northern coastal location offers clear airspace and direct access to polar launch trajectories, allowing satellites to be launched safely into polar orbit — a capability critical for Earth observation and environmental monitoring. The spaceport has the potential to anchor a new generation of high-value jobs and inward investment, positioning the North Highlands at the forefront of sustainable space innovation.
Key figures
The final frontier? North Highland is ready for launch.
Scotland's annual contribution to space sector
Scotland is one of the largest regional space hubs outside London and the South East – adding £381m to the UK space industry in 2022-23.
Potential jobs created in Highlands and Islands
An economic impact model shows Sutherland Spaceport could support up to ~740 jobs in the Highlands and Islands.
Spaceport Sutherland
Orbex – Europe’s leading orbital launch services company – is currently constructing the Sutherland Spaceport on the A’Mhoine in north west Sutherland.
The site’s northern coastal location, open flight path over the sea, and high latitude make it one of the few places in Europe that can safely and efficiently launch satellites into polar or sun-synchronous orbits – a key competitive advantage for the UK space industry.
As well as being the first vertical launch site in the UK to secure full planning permission, Sutherland Spaceport is the only one in the world designed to be carbon neutral in its construction and operation, making it the perfect partner for the world’s most environmentally-friendly rocket.
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