Orbex said in December 2024 it had paused its plans to build the satellite launch site near Tongue, but would retain the lease to construct and operate the base.<\/p>\n
In a complex leasing deal, the landowner, Melness Crofters\u2019 Estate, receives about \u00a370,000 a year for the 86-acre site from the project leader, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).<\/p>\n
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Sutherland Spaceport under construction in Moine, Sutherland<\/p>\n
ALAMY<\/p>\n
In turn, Orbex\u2019s offshoot, Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL), has a long sub-lease from HIE, which will run for 50 years, with an option to extend for a further 25 years.<\/p>\n
The firm pays HIE the equivalent of what the public agency pays the crofters, so there is a net neutral cost to the taxpayer. But there is a break clause in 2027 in SSL\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n
It appears the crofters will continue to receive their money for the time being, because their lease deal is directly with HIE, while Orbex could separately sell its lease to a new operator.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for HIE, which gave Orbex \u00a31.9 million for the site project, confirmed: \u201cThe lease for the Sutherland site is with Sutherland Spaceport Limited, a subsidiary of Orbital Express Launch Ltd (Orbex). We understand from the announcement by Orbex that their intention to appoint administrators does not extend to SSL.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tenant (SSL) has a break clause in the lease after five years, so 2027. HIE would only break the lease if there was a breach or default.\u201d<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Orbex said: \u201cMatters relating to the lease of the Sutherland Spaceport are best directed to Highlands and Islands Enterprise, as head leaseholder, and to the administrators once appointed. We are unable to comment further on this matter at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Skyrora has said its potential asset acquisition of the Sutherland site could involve up to \u00a310 million worth of investment. The company, which has a manufacturing facility in Cumbernauld, said its move would ensure Orbex technology and the spaceport remained under UK ownership.<\/p>\n
It also said its bid would safeguard products that had received public funding.<\/p>\n
Jack-James Marlow, Skyrora\u2019s chief operating officer, said his company was committed to providing \u201creliable, independent\u201d access to space. Skyrora designs and builds rockets to carry small satellites into space.<\/p>\n
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In May 2020 the company carried out the UK\u2019s first complete ground rocket test in 50 years<\/a>. The 11m- tall Skylark-L rocket was tested at Kildermorie Estate, near Alness, in the Highlands.<\/p>\n The rocket performed all the actions of a launch while restrained to the ground to prevent it from taking off.<\/p>\n