SaxaVord in Unst is the UK’s first fully licensed spaceport, with several companies interested in using the Shetland site to launch small satellites into orbit. The UK government announced a £30m investment in the project in September as part of its new £7.8bn space strategy.
SaxaVord’s role in UK and European space plans
Alistair Carmichael said the spaceport would bring further attention to Shetland as an important asset.
The German and British governments also plan to use SaxaVord to deepen cooperation in the space sector. In October, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Berlin and announced plans for closer collaboration on economic growth, defense and technology.
SaxaVord Spaceport has been identified as the focus of immediate European launch efforts. Two German companies are currently competing to conduct the first rocket test in the Shetland Islands.
Government backing
“Space strategy is extremely important,” said CEO Scott Hammond.
“We are at the heart of the UK Government’s plans for secure access to space. It’s also for our economic partners and our NATO partners.”
Hammond added that the UK government is a majority investor and has a member on the board. However, he stressed that SaxaVord Spaceport remains a private commercial company.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
