Orbex has made a significant change in its plans by suspending construction at the Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland and instead utilizing the SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands for its Prime launch vehicle.
This decision allows Orbex to focus on its core competencies in launch services and support the European space industry by achieving a sustainable series of satellite launches into low Earth orbit.
The shift to SaxaVord is seen as mutually beneficial for both the U.K. and Scottish space sectors, enhancing the overall landscape of space launch capabilities in the region.
Medium-sized space rockets are expected to play a crucial role in the future of the European space industry, and Orbex's decision to concentrate on developing its launch offerings aligns with this trend.
The move to SaxaVord has surprised many industry observers, but it reflects a broader shift in the U.K. space launch landscape, with SaxaVord emerging as a leading site for commercial launches.
While the full financial implications of the decision have not been disclosed, launching from SaxaVord allows for a more efficient allocation of funding towards rocket development.
Orbex is currently assessing the infrastructure needed to support the launch of its Prime vehicle at SaxaVord, solidifying the spaceport's status and positioning it as a viable alternative for other companies in the sector.
Orbex has left the door open for a potential return to Sutherland in the future, depending on demand, and the company remains committed to developing the Proxima vehicle.
The successful development of Proxima and the ongoing assessment of infrastructure needs at SaxaVord will be crucial for Orbex's ambitions in the European space launch market.