Sutherland Spaceport Assets Sold to HIE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has acquired the assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd. This subsidiary was established by launch company Orbex to develop a vertical launch site on Scotland's north coast. For context on how major projects can affect team performance and planning, see our stats and injuries pages.

HIE announced the acquisition on 25 August. The assets were purchased from the company's joint liquidators. The agency stated it will now review how the partially developed site could be used.

Future of the Launch Site

David Oxley, director of strategic projects at HIE, commented on the purchase. "Having acquired these assets, our next move will be to work with the local community and players in the space sector to inform future decisions on how to make the most of the spaceport's potential to deliver long-term economic benefits," he said.

Despite the uncertainty, both Oxley and Scotland's cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport, Stephen Flynn, signalled support for the continued development of the planned launch facility. Work on the supporting infrastructure ceased in December 2024. Orbex paused construction then to focus resources on developing a new medium-lift rocket called Proxima. The progress of such developments can be tracked like a league's standings, showing phases of advancement.

Orbex's Collapse and Liquidation

The sale follows the collapse of parent company Orbex into administration. The launch company had been attempting to raise additional capital. It sought to complete development of its smaller Prime rocket through a Series D funding round. That round was ultimately unsuccessful.

A potential lifeline emerged in January. The Exploration Company signed a letter of intent to acquire Orbex. However, the acquisition fell through in early February. This left Orbex with few options. It began insolvency proceedings on 11 February. The company ultimately closed its doors and entered administration on 18 February.

Aftermath and Asset Sale

Orbex's collapse did not immediately impact Sutherland Spaceport Ltd. The subsidiary only entered compulsory liquidation on 18 June. Its assets were then made available for sale. These included infrastructure already constructed at the partially developed launch site. Liquidators from London-based FRP Advisory handled the sale.

The assets are now under HIE's control as the agency considers the site's future.