Aerospace firm boss says outcome of Space Hub Sutherland judicial review is 'extremely positive news'

The boss of the Scottish aerospace firm that hopes to launch its rockets from Space Hub Sutherland has welcomed the results of the judicial review into the planning consent given to the development.

Orbex chief executive Chris Larmour said Lord Doherty's decision not to overturn planning permission for the spaceport was "extremely positive news" for businesses and communities along the north coast.

Mr Larmour said: "We're especially pleased for the crofters of the Melness Crofters' Estate, who will be able to protect and develop their community with modern jobs.

"Sutherland is still the only UK space port with planning permission and now, with this ruling, the countdown to space launch from the UK can begin."

Orbex, which has a rocket design and manufacturing facility in Forres and design and testing facilities in Denmark, is developing a 19-metre 'microlauncher' commercial orbital rocket called Prime.

The company has previously said that Sutherland Space Hub is perfectly suited to the needs of its Prime launch vehicle.

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