Scottish spaceport's prototype rocket unveiled

Image source, Orbex

The first full-scale prototype of a rocket designed for launching small satellites from a Highlands spaceport has been unveiled.

The final version of the Prime rocket will be powered by a renewable bio-fuel, bio-propane.

The rockets could be launched later this year.

The prototype will be tested in Kinloss.

A plan to launch satellites from a facility in Shetland has taken a major step forward.

A programme of launches from a site on Unst will be collaborated on by SaxaVord UK Spaceport and US-based Astra Space. Planning permission was granted to the spaceport earlier this year.

The first commercial rocket launch was in Alaska. The launches could start next year.

Image source, Astra Space

Orbex, which has manufacturing sites in the UK and Denmark, plans to launch micro satellites.

This is a major milestone for Orbex and highlights how far along we are in our development path.

From the outside, it might look like an ordinary rocket, but on the inside, Prime is unlike anything else.

He said that the rocket used low-carbon fuels and had 3D printed engines.

The Highlands and Islands enterprise is leading the project.

Plans for up to 12 launches a year from a single launch pad were approved by the Highland Council in 2020.

The Scottish Land Court approval for the proposed development was granted the following year.

Image source, Orbex

The project has the support of the local Melness Crofters Estate, but it has faced opposition from some residents and billionaires who own land near the site.

One of the Povlsen's companies lodged an unsuccessful legal challenge against the project.

The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HIE to work for the benefit of local communities.

If any further development of the project were deemed minor, Wildland would not make any more challenges to the spaceport.

The director of business development for SaxaVord UK Spaceport welcomed the agreement with Astra Space.

Astra is a fast- moving company that is on pace to establish a successful track record.

We look forward to working with their team to build new launch capabilities in the UK.