Space

The importance of the space sector for our region

Scotland’s growing space industry has the potential to help place the UK at the forefront of the worldwide launch market for small commercial satellites. 

Several locations in our region are ideally suited as sites for vertical launch. Developments are planned or underway at Unst in Shetland, Melness in Sutherland and North Uist in the Western Isles. At the same time, horizontal launches are proposed for Machrihanish in Argyll, and Prestwick in Ayrshire. 

Launch capacity supports opportunities for manufacturers of satellites and launch vehicles, the wider supply chain, academic and commercial research and suppliers of goods and services. Scotland already produces more small satellites than any other country in Europe and is home to two companies that design and manufacture launch vehicles – Orbex in Forres and Skyrora in Edinburgh. 

Much of the market growth has been driven by the vast number of products and applications now in daily use – from smartphones and health monitors to GPS devices – that rely on satellite data and technology.

Download the Space Scotland proposition

Orbex

Founded in 2015, Orbex is an orbital launch services company, serving the needs of the small satellite industry. A loan of up to £675,000 and grant of up to £825,000 from HIE are part of a broad package of support and advice that helped Orbex locate its state-of-the-art factory in Forres.

In November 2022, HIE signed a lease with Melness Crofters Estate and a 50-year sub-lease with Orbex. On the back of this agreement and the company's success in raising substantial investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank and others, Orbex then confirmed its intention to construct and operate Sutherland Spaceport

Find out more about Orbex

UK Space Agency

UK Space Agency (UKSA) is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. UKSA inspires and leads the UK in space to benefit our planet and its people.

Find out more about UKSA