Colorado-based rocket company LEAP has signed a memorandum of understanding with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to explore regular launches from Sutherland Spaceport in the Scottish Highlands, according to reporting by The European on 6 November 2026. The announcement offers fresh hope for the site after its original developer and operator faced collapse.

British rocket manufacturer Orbex, which had been developing Sutherland Spaceport, entered administration in February 2026, followed by the liquidation of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd in June. HIE acquired the developer's assets in August and has since been seeking a new operator. LEAP wants to make Sutherland its first operational base outside the United States, while HIE describes the MoU as evidence that LEAP is considering the UK as a potential European headquarters.

LEAP's Rocket Capabilities and European Strategy

LEAP is developing rockets to carry small satellites into orbit, alongside a service intended to transport urgent cargo between locations on Earth in minutes. Initial operations would use its Bullfrog vehicle, recently tested in California's Mojave Desert, before progressing to larger Bighorn rockets designed for suborbital, point-to-point and orbital missions.

The company intends to make Sutherland part of a global launch network serving European customers. Chris Beckman, LEAP's chief executive, said: "We're not just building a rocket. We're building a global logistics network, and a network needs launch sites wherever customers require them. Sutherland is an ideal starting point for a network that begins in Europe, and HIE shares our ambition to make recurring spaceflight from Scotland real."

The MoU could extend beyond launches to include rocket manufacturing, testing facilities, recruitment, university partnerships and opportunities for Scottish suppliers. LEAP intends to manufacture its vehicles using modular factories, each designed to produce more than 30 rockets annually, alongside transportable launch equipment.

Site Geography and Infrastructure

The proposed spaceport occupies a 10.4-acre site on the A'Mhoine peninsula near Tongue, on land owned by the Melness Crofters' Estate. Infrastructure work had already begun under the previous development, including a 2.5-kilometre access road. HIE holds a 75-year lease on the land.

Scotland's northern location and access to open sea make the site attractive for certain satellite launches, particularly those requiring polar and sun-synchronous orbits. David Oxley, HIE's Director of Strategic Projects, said: "There's worldwide demand for modern launch facilities and Sutherland is perfectly positioned to be used by a range of companies and help establish Scotland as a major centre of European spaceflight."

Regulatory Path and Next Steps

LEAP has already held discussions with the UK Space Agency, Civil Aviation Authority and Scottish Government, and has visited Edinburgh, Glasgow, Machrihanish and locations around Inverness. However, no launch date has been set. The company must secure regulatory approval and finalise its commercial arrangements before rockets can take off from Sutherland.

LEAP has yet to confirm how much it plans to invest or how many jobs could be created. Dorothy Pritchard, chair of the Melness Crofters' Estate, welcomed LEAP's interest, saying the company recognised the wider economic opportunities a successful spaceport could bring to local communities.

Scottish Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn welcomed the agreement: "This Memorandum of Understanding is good news for Scotland's space sector and in particular for businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands, bringing renewed impetus to unlocking the exciting economic potential of the Sutherland Spaceport."