Summary
- Colorado-based LEAP has signed a memorandum of understanding with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to explore launch operations at Sutherland Spaceport.
- Sutherland could become the first launch site outside the US for LEAP’s planned logistics network.
- Operations would begin with its Bullfrog vehicle before progressing to suborbital, point-to-point and orbital missions.
- The agreement is non-binding; any launches remain subject to technical assessment, regulatory approval and final commercial agreements.
- Talks also cover potential manufacturing, testing, supply chain and skills activity in the Highlands and Islands.
Full Article
US space company LEAP has signed a memorandum of understanding with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to explore establishing regular launch operations from Sutherland Spaceport in the north Highlands.
The Colorado-based company is building a dual-use logistics network designed to move critical payloads anywhere on Earth within minutes, alongside a service to take small satellites into orbit. Sutherland could become the network’s first launch site outside the US, giving LEAP a base from which to serve European customers.
Operations are proposed to start with LEAP’s Bullfrog vehicle, which was recently tested in the Mojave Desert, before moving on to its Bighorn suborbital, point-to-point and orbital missions. The long-term goal is a recurring launch cadence from the site.
Under the agreement, the two organisations intend to set up a dedicated launch development workstream to create a practical pathway for LEAP launches.
LEAP pairs mass-produced vehicles with modular factories and transportable launch equipment rather than relying on a small number of launch sites. Each factory is designed to build more than 30 vehicles a year. Discussions with UK stakeholders are also covering a broader LEAP presence in the Highlands and Islands, including potential manufacturing and test activity, supply chain engagement, local recruitment and skills, university partnerships and infrastructure support.
The memorandum is non-binding. HIE said it was the latest sign that LEAP is strongly considering the UK for its European headquarters. Any future launch operations or commercial commitments remain subject to technical assessment, regulatory approval and final commercial agreements.
LEAP announced its intention to explore UK operations at Space-Comm Glasgow in 2025. It has since visited Edinburgh, Glasgow, Machrihanish and sites around Inverness, and held discussions with the UK Space Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Scottish Government and commercial supply-chain companies.
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Chris Beckman, chief executive of LEAP, 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.”
Representatives of Sutherland’s local community met LEAP during its most recent visit. Dorothy Pritchard, chair of Melness Crofters Estate, said: “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.”
