US rockets firm could take over mothballed Highland spaceport

Colorado-based rocket manufacturer Leap has agreed to work with Highlands and Islands Enterprise on plans to develop Sutherland Spaceport as its first launch site outside the United States. The proposal could revive a site left largely undeveloped after Orbex halted construction in 2024 and later collapsed, while supporting launches of small satellites for UK and European customers.

Leap says it is designing rockets for factory mass production and wants launch sites close to its customers. The proposed spaceport is on peatland near Tongue, on Melness Crofters Estate in Sutherland; the estate, HIE and Scotland’s Economy Secretary have welcomed the agreement, which is still a plan. Separately, the UK and Germany have said they intend to use SaxaVord in Shetland for closer space co-operation; it is licensed for up to 30 launches a year.