It is the latest twist in the space race. And many in the Moray area hope that Highlands and Islands Enterprise could spark the blast off to new worlds.
Sutherland is a contender to become Europe’s frontier in the booming space industry as plans for a satellite launch pad emerged.
HIE has commissioned a study to determine whether an area in north Sutherland could provide a suitable location to fire satellites into earth orbit.
The news has been confirmed after Moray missed out on the race to be the base for the UK’s first spaceport.
Both RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks were on an original shortlist of sites in the running to host the pioneering project.
But, late last year, the Civil Aviation Authority ruled out Moray as being a potential launch pad for rockets carrying satellites and even tourists into orbit, citing “overriding military operational factors”.
However, Sutherland is trying once again to boldly go where few have gone before.
A feasibility study is under way to examine the pros and cons of establishing a vertical launch facility for commercial satellites at The Moine, part of the Melness Crofting Estate near Tongue.
HIE has appointed consultants Upper Quartile to carry out the study. Their findings will help establish whether The Moine meets a range of technical criteria which potential satellite launch operators would require.
The study will examine the likely number of jobs and other economic benefits a project of this kind could create, as well as assessing its potential environmental impact, the scale of investment which would be required, and the public consultation and statutory planning processes which would need to be undertaken.
Unsurprisingly, the prospect of Sutherland becoming a launch centre is starting to generate local interest.
Officials from HIE’s Caithness and Sutherland area team have already held informal discussions with local crofters and other residents.
The feasibility study is expected to be ready in the summer. However, even if it does conclude that The Moine is a suitable location, the prospect of the first launch would still lie far into the future – if it is to happen at all.
Several other crucial tests would have to be met before the possibility could become a reality, not least the need for extensive public consultation and planning consent, which could take years to achieve.
Major private sector-led investment would also be essential, as well as international marketing to attract one or more operators to base themselves at the facility.
Dr Paul Monaghan, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: “The immediate challenge for North Sutherland is to continue to identify, develop and implement economic opportunities of all forms to encourage the sustainability of what we must consider to be fragile communities.
“Over the last few months, I have spoken with a number of companies interested in developing businesses in Sutherland.
“The satellite launch facility is one of these. I will continue to work with all prospective developers in any way possible to promote the interests of Sutherland, and the people and communities across the far north.”
Roy Kirk, Caithness and Sutherland Area Manager for HIE, said: “The satellite launch market is growing and we believe there will be an opportunity in the coming years for one location in Europe to establish a vertical launch centre.
“The Moine appears to meet many, if not all, of the requirement to become that location and we’ve commissioned this study to gather and weigh up the evidence.
“It’s important to bear in mind that HIE is an agency with responsibility for both community and economic development, and we have a strong track record of supporting groups and projects which deliver environmental benefits as well as economic growth.
“While HIE recognises that a satellite launch site could provide an economic boon for Sutherland, we also care deeply that any potential environmental impacts are fully understood and evaluated as well.”