A site on the northernmost tip of the Shetland Islands has become the UK’s first licensed spaceport for vertical rocket launches.
The Saxavod spaceport, located on the small island of Unst, has received a license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will be able to conduct its first launch in 2024.
Regulators have verified that the privately owned spaceport meets safety and environmental requirements for vertical space launches.
Frank and Debbie Strong have owned a former RAF base on a remote peninsula in Unst since 2004.
Authorized for up to 30 launches per year, it caters to companies looking to launch satellites into polar or sun-synchronous orbits.
Just under £30 million has so far been spent on developing the spaceport, which includes three launch pads and a hangar for assembling rockets.
Two German companies, Rocket Factory Augsburg and High Impulse, hope to launch from Saxavoord in 2024.
The couple also have plans to build a hotel and visitor center in Saxavod.
“A moment that defined an era”
Tim Johnson, director of space regulation at the CAA, said: “The granting of the license to Saxavoord is a defining moment for the UK space sector.”
“We could soon be rocketing satellites into orbit from Scotland, marking the start of a new chapter for British space.
“We are undertaking important work to ensure the UK’s space activities are safe and sustainable for everyone.”
Photo: Sakusa Vod
Photo: Sakusa Vod
Mr Strang said the award of the license was “historic” and said: “Our team is extremely proud to have been entrusted by the government to operate a complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-launch spaceport. We all take this responsibility very seriously.”
“There is still a lot of work to do, but this is a great way to end the year and head into Christmas.”
Cornwall Spaceport has become the UK’s first licensed spaceport, but the Saxavord approval allows aircraft to launch rockets vertically rather than horizontally.
Source: news.sky.com
