Orbex Pauses Sutherland Spaceport Construction

Orbex has announced the pause of construction on its planned spaceport in Sutherland, Scotland, to focus on launching rockets from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. Despite this shift, the company will retain its lease on the Sutherland site, leaving open the possibility for future development. The decision comes after significant investment and planning efforts, which included a legal challenge from billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen against the Sutherland project. Orbex CEO Phil Chambers emphasized that this strategy aligns with their goal of supporting the European space industry and achieving a sustainable launch series by 2025. Highlands and Islands Enterprise expressed disappointment over the decision, highlighting Orbex's importance to the regional economy. The pause in Sutherland marks a notable change in direction for Orbex, which plans to continue its commitment to the North of Scotland.