First UK built space launch pad for 50 years commisioned by Forres rocket manufacturer
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THE first orbital space launch pad to be built in the UK for 50 years has been commissioned by Forres based rocket manufacturers Orbex.
Work has already started on the project at a test facility near Kinloss as part of the development of a satellite launch site in Sutherland.
Banff engineering firm Motive Offshore Group will build the pad.
The site will allow Orbex engineers to test the company's new environmentally friendly Prime rocket.
Chris Larmour, Chief Executive of Orbex, said: "The ability for our engineers to test Prime on its own launchpad is a major advancement on the roadmap to launch, and we are happy to already be constructing this major piece of infrastructure with Motive Offshore, a partner which has a very strong track record in other relevant industries."
He added: "This will be the first launch pad of its kind built in the UK for more than half a century and we look forward to seeing it completed and ready to go into service in the new year."
It will be the first facility of its kind since High Down Rocket Test Site on the Isle of Wight shut in the 1970s.
Orbex expects its test launch pad to be fully operational by early next year.
Construction of Space Hub Sutherland is also due to begin in early 2022.
