PLANS for a satellite launching facility at Dounreay have taken a step

forward.

The operators of the nuclear complex in Caithness say that they have

had an encouraging response in talks with public-sector bodies over the

concept.

Yesterday a Dounreay spokesman said: ''We are now proceeding to a

further study of the potential market,'' which would be a precursor to a

full-scale feasibility study.

The concept is to launch small satellites into polar orbit.

Such satellites would be used as Earth-monitoring platforms, checking

on such things as the loss of tropical rain-forests and other

environmental changes.

Yesterday AEA Technology said that, if the project went ahead, it

would be done as a joint venture with a private-sector company.

AEA Technology, formerly the UK Atomic energy Authority, operates the

Dounreay complex, where 200 jobs, out of a present total of 1500, are

set to go next month.