Orbex halts spaceport construction to prioritize Shetland rocket launches

In a strategic shift, a Scottish rocket company has decided to halt the construction of its planned spaceport in the Highlands, focusing instead on launching rockets from the already operational SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. This decision comes as Orbex seeks to enhance its capabilities in developing small and medium-sized rockets, aligning with its mission to support the European space industry by facilitating sustainable satellite launches into low Earth orbit. The company, based in Moray, intends to retain its lease at the Sutherland location for potential future construction, thereby keeping options open as it navigates its growth and operational strategies. The shift towards Shetland allows Orbex to streamline its operations and concentrate resources on producing rockets, rather than investing heavily in spaceport infrastructure. Orbex CEO Phil Chambers emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that the company is primarily a launch services specialist. By focusing on rocket development and associated launch services, Orbex aims to ensure a steady progression towards its target of conducting its first launch in 2025. This announcement also provides further commercial viability to SaxaVord Spaceport, as it secures another customer amidst the rapidly evolving UK space industry. Initial plans for the Sutherland spaceport had begun taking shape after the company received planning permission back in 2020, with construction activities starting last year. However, the decision to pause these efforts appears to be aligned with broader market dynamics and the urgent need for economies of scale within the UK space sector, allowing companies like Orbex to compete effectively within Europe. The response from the Sutherland community has been positive, recognizing the support received during the planning phase, indicating a potential pathway for collaboration in future endeavors. As Orbex prepares to ramp up its manufacturing capabilities in Forres, it marks a critical phase in the development of its small vehicle, Prime, while also working on new medium-launch vehicles to enhance satellite deployment capabilities. This operational shift highlights the increasing competitiveness of the UK space market, which necessitates collaborative efforts and adapted strategies amongst its leaders to achieve sustainable growth and innovation. Orbex's decision reflects not just a change in operational focus but a commitment to building a robust foundation for future launches, seeking to make significant contributions to both UK and Scottish space exploration through enhanced launch capabilities.