Rocket firm ‘pauses’ plan for Highland spaceport in Sutherland

The Sutherland spaceport site was one of a only few on the UK mainland that would eventually have vertical launch capability giving it strategic importance within the European market.

However, in terms of progress SaxaVord on the island of Unst was out in front with its launch platforms and relevant licences from the CAA already in place.

Part of the reason for that progress was private finance.

One of its major investors and main stakeholders is Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.

The fashion tycoon is the largest landowner in the UK, owning several vast Highland estates.

Some of his land was located near the site of the Sutherland spaceport, and his company took legal action against Highland Council’s decision to approve the site.

The ability to get small satellites into space is big business and builds on an already thriving space industry.

There are currently four other proposed spaceports planned for Scotland, including SaxaVord, but this move may raise further questions about how many will actually be viable.