A new chapter in Scotland’s space industry is unfolding as Edinburgh-based company Skyrora gears up for a groundbreaking launch.
The firm has announced plans to send its rockets into space from 2026, following a suborbital launch attempt in Spring 2025.
This ambitious project has found its manufacturing home in Lanarkshire, where Skyrora has established a state-of-the-art production facility.
The company recently opened its largest manufacturing and production site in Cumbernauld, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s burgeoning space sector.
Skyrora’s chief operations officer has expressed confidence in the company’s progress, suggesting an optimistic timeline that reflects the rapid advancements made by the Scottish space industry in recent years.
The Cumbernauld facility is set to play a crucial role in Skyrora’s mission. With its advanced capabilities, the site is poised to become a hub for rocket production, potentially revolutionising the UK’s space capabilities.
Skyrora is preparing to launch its Skylark L suborbital rocket from SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands in April 2025. This launch is very important for the company because it paves the way for testing the Skyrora XL carrier. It can launch payloads to orbits of 500 and even 1,000 km altitude.
As Scotland positions itself as a key player in the global space race, the success of Skyrora’s launches could have far-reaching implications.
Not only would it bolster the nation’s reputation in aerospace engineering, but it could also attract further investment and talent to the region.
The coming months will be critical as Skyrora prepares for its suborbital launch. Space enthusiasts and industry watchers alike will be keeping a keen eye on Lanarkshire, eagerly anticipating the moment when Scottish-made rockets break through the Earth’s atmosphere and venture into the final frontier. Skyrora aims to become the leading launch provider operating within the UK.
