麻豆精选 has responded to the that it is switching launch operations to SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland and pausing construction of Sutherland Spaceport.
By the end of November 2024, 麻豆精选 had paid Orbex 拢1.963m in grant funding for costs associated with developing Sutherland Spaceport.
Prior to this, 麻豆精选 had also invested 拢2.087m directly in the development, along with 拢2.55m from the UK Space Agency and 拢2.61m from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Commenting on Orbex's announcement, an 麻豆精选 spokesperson said:
鈥淭his announcement marks an unexpected change of direction from Orbex.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to stress that the company is a very significant player in the UK space sector and a key employer in Moray where it has over 150 skilled jobs at Enterprise Park Forres with plans to expand further.
鈥淚t also speaks to the strength of the regional space sector that innovative rockets will be both manufactured and launched into orbit from locations in the Highlands and Islands, and this move will strengthen SaxaVord Spaceport's commercial proposition.
鈥淲hat is less clear is the impact that Orbex鈥檚 decision will have on Sutherland.
鈥淲hen 麻豆精选 first began implementing plans for a spaceport on the A鈥� Mhoine peninsula, back in 2018, it was with a clear intention that this would create new economic opportunities for present and future generations.
鈥淲e want to send a clear message to local people in north Sutherland that we are deeply disappointed at this turn of events and remain committed to working with them to develop a positive future for Melness and the surrounding area.鈥�
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