SaxaVord, Europe's Gateway To Space Opens for Business

A new era dawned for European space exploration on May 29th with the official opening of Saxa Vord Spaceport on the island of Unst, Scotland. This momentous occasion marks the activation of Europe's first and only fully-licensed vertical launch spaceport, paving the way for a future bustling with rocket launches and groundbreaking space missions.

The Saxa Vord Spaceport journey began with a vision – to establish a launch facility within Europe that could rival those in the United States and Asia. Years of development, rigorous environmental assessments, and unwavering determination culminated in this historic moment. Crucially, SaxaVord secured both its spaceport and range licenses from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in December 2023 and April 2024 respectively, signifying its complete operational readiness.

Spaceport chief executive Frank Strang said: “It has been a long hard journey to get us to the point where we are ready for the first launch from SaxaVord.

“But thanks only to the enormous amount of hard work put in by every member of my team, we are there – and this opening event is really about thanking them and those people who have believed in us and supported our vision along the way.

“It is very fitting that Mike our space educator and astronaut designate along with Grace and Harry have declared SaxaVord Spaceport formally open for business as we are building a legacy for the future and the future is about the children.”

The location itself holds great significance. Unst, the northernmost inhabited island in the UK, offers a clear launch corridor and minimal population density, making it an ideal location for space launches. Additionally, the strong winds prevalent in the region can be harnessed to a rocket's advantage, potentially increasing launch efficiency.

Strang added: “We also owe an enormous thank you to space minister Andrew Griffith and his team at the UK Government department for science, innovation and Technology including obviously the UK Space Agency for the investment funding received just prior to the announcement of the general election.

“I must also thank Alister Jack, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and his team also, who stood shoulder to shoulder with DSIT championing our cause.

“The space economy is growing at an unbelievable speed throughout the world, and it is very difficult for government machinery to keep up with the rate of change within the sector.

“The Shetland economy is based on its geography and now space has joined oil and gas and renewables as a driver for the Scottish and UK economies.”

The first launch from Saxa Vord is slated for this summer, with German rocket manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) taking center stage. Their flagship RFA One rocket will carry a payload into orbit, marking a baptism by fire for the spaceport and a significant step forward for European launch capabilities.

"We are incredibly proud to be the first company launching from Saxa Vord," said Dr. Stefan Kienle, CEO of RFA. "This collaboration signifies a new chapter in European spaceflight, and we are excited to be a part of it."

The opening of Saxa Vord Spaceport is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. The creation of jobs, increased tourism, and a growing space industry ecosystem are all anticipated outcomes. More importantly, it places Europe at the forefront of launch capabilities, fostering innovation and potentially attracting international space collaborations.

However, challenges remain. Environmental concerns surrounding potential launch noise and debris must be continuously monitored and mitigated. Additionally, ensuring the responsible and sustainable growth of the space industry will be paramount.

Despite these challenges, the future of Saxa Vord Spaceport appears bright. With its strategic location, complete licensing, and a growing roster of potential launch partners, this spaceport is poised to become a launch hub for European ambitions, propelling the continent towards a new era of space exploration and discovery.