SaxaVord Spaceport Seeks Expansion: Plans Submitted For New Satellite Ground Station In Unst

SaxaVord Spaceport, the UK's most northerly launch site, has submitted plans to construct a new satellite ground station on the island of Unst in Shetland. This development signifies the spaceport's ambition to become a comprehensive space hub, catering not only to launches but also to satellite communication and data management.

The application details an array of antennas ranging from 1.5 meters to 3.7 meters in diameter. These antennas will be specifically designed to support satellites in low Earth polar and sun-synchronous orbits, offering crucial communication links and operational control.

"This new ground station will further solidify SaxaVord as a premier space destination," said a spokesperson for SaxaVord Spaceport. "By providing comprehensive launch and communication facilities, we can offer a one-stop shop for satellite companies."

The addition of a ground station strengthens SaxaVord's position in the space industry. Unst's remote location is not only ideal for launching rockets but also advantageous for receiving and transmitting satellite signals with minimal interference.

The plans come amidst a period of significant growth for SaxaVord Spaceport. In January 2023, German company Rocket Factory Augsburg signed a multi-year launch agreement, securing exclusive access to one of the launch pads. The Shetland Islands Council will now review the application for the new ground station. If approved, this development will solidify SaxaVord's position as a key player in the burgeoning European space industry, offering launch and communication capabilities for a wider range of satellite missions.