Colorado-based space logistics company LEAP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to explore the potential for regular launch operations from Sutherland Spaceport on the A'Mhòine peninsula, north-west of Tongue.

The non-binding agreement, first reported by the Northern Times on 5 November 2026, is the latest sign that LEAP is strongly considering the UK as its European headquarters.

LEAP's Vision for Sutherland

LEAP CEO Chris Beckman framed the partnership in terms of the company's broader global strategy. "We're not just building a rocket," Beckman said. "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 company is developing a dual-use logistics network designed to transport critical payloads anywhere on Earth within minutes, alongside a core service to deploy small satellites into orbit. Under the MOU, the two organisations intend to establish a dedicated launch development workstream to create a practical pathway for LEAP operations at Sutherland.

LEAP's approach centres on mass-produced vehicles paired with modular factories and transportable launch equipment, enabling the company to add capacity and deploy services at multiple locations. Each LEAP factory is designed to build more than 30 vehicles a year.

Proposed Launch Campaign and Vehicle Development

LEAP proposes to begin operations at Sutherland with its Bullfrog vehicle, which was recently tested in the Mojave desert. The company intends to progress toward suborbital, point-to-point, and orbital missions under the Bighorn programme, with the long-term goal of establishing a recurring launch cadence from the site.

Any future launch operations or commercial commitments remain subject to technical assessment, regulatory approval, and final commercial agreements, HIE noted in the announcement.

Broader Regional Engagement

Discussions between LEAP and UK stakeholders extend beyond launch operations. The collaboration is exploring a broader LEAP presence across the Highlands and Islands, including potential manufacturing and test activity, supply chain engagement, local recruitment and skills development, university partnerships, and infrastructure support.

This expanded scope could create opportunities for regional businesses to participate in LEAP's developing launch and logistics network. LEAP has previously announced its intention to explore UK operations and, since Space-Comm Glasgow in 2025, has visited Edinburgh, Glasgow, Machrihanish, and sites around Inverness to engage with the Scottish space ecosystem. The company has also held discussions with the UK Space Agency, Civil Aviation Authority, Scottish Government, and commercial partners across the wider UK supply chain.

Local and Government Support

David Oxley, director of strategic projects at HIE, welcomed the agreement as part of a broader strategy to develop Sutherland following the acquisition of spaceport assets in August. "The Highlands and Islands region continues to have a central role in growing the UK space sector," Oxley 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."

Stephen Flynn, Scotland's cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport, described the MOU as "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."

Dorothy Pritchard, chair of Melness Crofters Estate, welcomed LEAP's engagement with the local community. "We believe their presence here will be an important step towards establishing a thriving and sustainable spaceport that can bring long term benefits to Sutherland and the UK's growing space industry," Pritchard said.