Developed for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the £17.5 million Space Hub Sutherland establishes the UK’s first vertical satellite launch facility, advancing commercial space access and industry growth in Scotland.
Challenge
Integrating a vertical satellite launch facility and its associated infrastructure into a remote and environmentally significant landscape required balancing complex operational requirements with the protection of the area’s natural character. The design needed to respond sensitively to the site’s flora, fauna, and scenery while accommodating highly specialized aerospace functions.
Solution
We led the design team, comprising Arup Engineers and erz landscape architects, on a solution that incorporates a launch operations and control centre, launch site integration facility, launch pad, antenna park, and supporting infrastructure. Careful planning and landscape integration strategies ensure the facility responds appropriately to its rural setting while meeting the technical demands of a commercial spaceport.
Outcome
The project secured planning consent from Highland Council, marking a significant milestone in the development of the UK’s first vertical launch spaceport. Supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the UK Space Agency, Space Hub Sutherland is positioned to contribute to regional economic growth and future satellite launches.
David Oxley, Director of Business Growth at HIE
“Gaining planning approval from the council is a huge step forward for Space Hub Sutherland. The UK’s space ambitions present a wonderful opportunity for the Highlands and Islands. A vertical launch spaceport is a key piece of the national jigsaw, along with the design and manufacture of satellites and launch vehicles, that will ensure Scotland can derive maximum economic benefits from this growing and exciting sector.”
NORR is leading the design team, comprising Arup Engineers and erz landscape architects, in the development of the UK’s first satellite launch Sutherland Spaceport (formerly known as Space Hub Sutherland) in Scotland. The ambitious plans will see vehicles carrying commercial satellites launched vertically into space for earth observation. NORR is supporting Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on this unique venture. This £17.5 million project ($21.8 million) achieved a major milestone on June 26, 2020 by gaining planning consent from the Highland Council.
The Spaceport project is exciting, as well as complex and sensitive. The integration of a vertical small satellite launch facility, with associated infrastructure into this rural and naturally significant site, presents many interesting challenges. The flora, fauna and scenery behind the natural significance of the area have been considered as part of the spaceport’s design and construction.
The Sutherland site will include a launch operation and control centre, launch site integration facility, single launch pad, antenna park and associated site infrastructure.
David Oxley, Director of Business Growth with HIE said, “Gaining planning approval from the council is a huge step forward for Space Hub Sutherland. The UK’s space ambitions present a wonderful opportunity for the Highlands and Islands. A vertical launch spaceport is a key piece of the national jigsaw, along with the design and manufacture of satellites and launch vehicles, that will ensure Scotland can derive maximum economic benefits from this growing and exciting sector.”
Funding for Sutherland Spaceport was secured from HIE and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).
