OVERVIEW
Exciting plans are taking shape to launch satellites into space from the Scottish Highlands.
In July 2018, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) announced that it was backing our ambitious proposals to develop a vertical launch site on the A' Mhoine peninsula, Sutherland.
Our board has approved in principle £17.3m to support the project, now called Space Hub Sutherland (SHS). This includes the UKSA’s £2.5m and £9.8m from HIE itself. The remaining £5m is being sought from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Planning permission was granted by the Highland Council in August 2020. Our plans were also approved by the Scottish Land Court in September 2021.
WHAT WE'RE PLANNING
The launch site is expected to create around 61 highly skilled jobs in Caithness and Sutherland. At a regional level, we estimate this figure will multiply to 250 jobs, with launch activities making Caithness and Sutherland the hub of a significant new space sector.
We’re aiming to achieve the first launch of satellites from Sutherland in the early 2020s. Over time, the number of launches is expected to grow to a maximum of 12 a year.
We are ensuring that the project is developed in ways that respect the natural environment, and with safety as our top priority. As well as delivering positive economic impacts including jobs, training and research and supply chain opportunities, it will be vital that Space Hub Sutherland generates community benefits.
