NORR, along with Arup Engineers and erz landscape architects, has designed the UK’s first satellite launch Space Hub in Sutherland, Scotland. The project will see vehicles carrying commercial satellites launched vertically into space for earth observation. NORR is supporting Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on the venture.
The rural and naturally significant site for the $21.8 million project presents numerous challenges. The flora, fauna, and scenery behind the natural significance of the area have been considered as part of the spaceport’s design and construction.
The project includes a launch operation and control center, a launch site integration facility, a single launch pad, an antenna park, and associated site infrastructure.
SEE ALSO: Designing for the final frontier: Space architecture
Last year, the Space Hub gained consent from the Highland Council. “Gaining planning approval from the council is a huge step forward for Space Hub Sutherland. The UK’s space ambitions present a wonderful opportunity for the Highlands and Islands,” said David Oxley, Director of Business Growth with HIE, in a release. “A vertical launch spaceport is a key piece of the national jigsaw, along with the design and manufacture of satellites and launch vehicles, that will ensure Scotland can derive maximum economic benefits from this growing and exciting sector.” The first launch from the site could be as early as 2022.
In addition to the vertical launch site in Scotland, NORR is also designing a horizontal launch site at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Related Stories
Airports | Oct 31, 2018
Foster + Partners’ Mexico City Airport has been cancelled
The project was set to cost $13.3 billion.
Airports | Aug 3, 2018
Airport trends 2018: Full flights with no end in sight
As service demand surges, airports turn to technology, faster building techniques.
Airports | May 31, 2018
Denver's airport city
Cultivation of airport cities is an emerging development strategy shaped by urban planners, civic leaders, airport executives, and academics.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
Retail Centers | Apr 19, 2018
Miami International Airport is home to the first Johnnie Walker store in the U.S.
The store will be a permanent fixture in the airport’s North Terminal.
Airports | Feb 21, 2018
Terminal Modernization: Why Bother? Part II
This is the second post in our series examining why airport operators should bother to upgrade their facilities, even if capacity isn’t forcing the issue.
Airports | Feb 7, 2018
LaGuardia Airport receives eight private work booths in Terminal B
The hub sees over 15 million travelers annually.
Libraries | Jan 29, 2018
Commercial plane that skidded off the runway may become Turkey’s newest public library
The plane was removed from its cliffside perch five days after the incident.
Giants 400 | Oct 5, 2017
On wings of gold: Alternative financing schemes are propelling the high-flyin’ air terminals sector
The $4 billion renovation of New York City’s LaGuardia Airport is the first major U.S. aviation project delivered using a public-private partnership (P3) model.
Giants 400 | Oct 3, 2017
Top 30 airport engineering firms
AECOM, Burns & McDonnell, and Arup top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest airport sector engineering and EA firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
