Shetland spaceport first in UK to support vertical rocket launches

The first rockets are set to take off from last year

Shetland will have the first UK spaceport licensed for vertical lauches
Author: Molly TulettPublished 17th Dec 2023
Last updated 17th Dec 2023

Shetland has become home to the UK’s first licensed spaceport for vertical rocket launches.

SaxaVord Spaceport at the northern-most point of the islands, Unst, has been granted the license by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with the first launches set to take off as early as next year.

Located on the remote peninsula, the former RAF base is owned by husband and wife Frank and Debbie Strang, and will be allowed up to 30 launches per year after the CAA verified the site met safety and environmental requirements.

Mr Strang described the award of the license as “historic”, adding: “Our team is very proud that the Government has entrusted us with operating a complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-launch spaceport, and we all take this responsibility very seriously.

"There is much to do still but this is a fantastic way to end the year and head into Christmas."

Just under £30m has already been spent preparing the port for use next year

He and his wife have been owners of the base since 2004, and have plans for a hotel and visitor centre at SaxaVord too.

Just under £30m has been spent on developing the spaceport so far, including three launch pads and a hangar for assembling rockets.

German companies Rocket Factory Augsberg and Hylmpulse hope to carry out launches from SaxaVord next year.

Director of Space Regulation at the CAA, Tim Johnson, said: “Granting SaxaVord their licence is an era-defining moment for the UK space sector.

"This marks the beginning of a new chapter for UK space as rockets may soon launch satellites into orbit from Scotland.

"We are undertaking vital work to make sure the UK's space activities are safe and sustainable for all."

Both the Scottish and UK Governments have welcomed the news of the licence.

Cornwall Spaceport was the first UK licensed spaceport for horizontal launches

The Scottish Government’s innovation minister Richard Lochhead said: “This milestone heralds and new era for space in Scotland.

"As the UK's first licensed vertical spaceport, SaxaVord and Scotland can soon be a gateway to space, deploying cutting-edge small satellites into orbit for international and domestic customers alike."

UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "The United Kingdom's space industry is growing, with SaxaVord set for lift-off to become this country's first vertical spaceport.

"Today's historic announcement will boost Shetland's economy and put the United Kingdom at the forefront of spaceflight innovation."

While Cornwall Spaceport became the UK's first licensed spaceport, SaxaVord's licence allows it to host vertical launches rather than horizontal launches of rockets carried by aircraft.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.