Colorado-based launch company LEAP has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to develop recurring launch operations at a launch site in Sutherland, located on Scotland's northern mainland. The announcement was made on 6 November 2026.

Sutherland could become LEAP's first launch site outside the United States, giving the company a base from which to serve European customers while supporting the development of UK sovereign launch capability. Under the MOU, the two organisations intend to establish a dedicated launch development workstream focused on creating a practical pathway for LEAP launches.

LEAP's Global Logistics Network

LEAP is developing mass-producible launch vehicles and a distributed global space logistics network to move critical payloads anywhere on Earth within minutes, as well as to take small satellites into orbit. The company is building a dual-use logistics infrastructure that pairs mass-produced vehicles with modular factories and transportable launch equipment, allowing it to deploy services wherever customers require them globally.

According to LEAP CEO Chris Beckman, the company's network strategy depends on multiple launch sites worldwide. "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."

Operations are proposed to begin with LEAP's Bullfrog vehicle, which was recently tested in the Mojave Desert, before progressing to its Bighorn suborbital, point-to-point and orbital missions, with the long-term goal of establishing a recurring launch cadence from Sutherland.

Broader Highlands and Islands Engagement

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

Each LEAP factory is designed to build more than 30 vehicles annually. This expanded footprint could create opportunities for businesses across the region to participate in LEAP's developing launch and logistics network.

David Oxley, Director of Strategic Projects at HIE, emphasised the significance of the announcement: "The Highlands and Islands region continues to have a central role in growing the UK space sector. 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. Since acquiring the assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd in August, we have been engaging with the market and exploring options for next steps that will aim to deliver high-quality career opportunities and other benefits for the local community."

Oxley added: "This MOU with LEAP is a significant step forward for the site and we look forward to building a productive and mutually beneficial partnership as we continue to develop our plans for Sutherland."

Regulatory and Commercial Path Forward

The MOU is non-binding and establishes a framework for collaboration. LEAP has previously announced its intention to explore UK operations during Space-Comm Glasgow in 2025 and has since visited Edinburgh, Glasgow, Machrihanish and sites around Inverness to engage with the Scottish space ecosystem. The company has held discussions with the UK Space Agency, Civil Aviation Authority, Scottish Government, and commercial players from the wider UK supply chain.

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

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: "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. I look forward to this agreement playing its part in establishing a strong platform with which to deliver an exciting long-term vision for the spaceport while advancing Scotland's role and status within the international space industry."

Local Community Support

Representatives of Sutherland's local community have expressed support for the development. Dorothy Pritchard, Chair of the Melness Crofters Estate, commented: "Melness Crofters Estate is delighted to welcome LEAP as a potential launch operator at Sutherland and one that we believe shares our belief in the potential of both Sutherland Spaceport and the communities surrounding it. Their vision, enthusiasm and commitment around this demonstrates an understanding that a successful spaceport will create opportunities beyond launches alone."

Pritchard added: "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. Alongside other UK launch sites, both developed and emerging, an operational Sutherland Spaceport will become an integral part of a resilient and diverse UK launch ecosystem, securing the UK position within the global space economy, something we welcome and support. Melness Crofters Estate looks forward to seeing the spaceport become a driver of economic opportunity."

Dr Natasha Nicholson, CEO of Space Scotland, said: "This MOU is a welcome demonstration of Scotland's attractiveness not only as a launch location, but as a place to build and grow space operations. Our combination of launch infrastructure, an innovative and highly capable supply chain, and strong connections across the wider UK and European space ecosystem gives LEAP a compelling platform for growth. The potential for new jobs, investment, and supply chain opportunities could deliver real economic value for communities in the Highlands and Islands, and for businesses across Scotland. Space Scotland looks forward to supporting the relationship as it develops and helping to ensure that the opportunities it creates extend across Scotland's space community."