SaxaVord Secures Vertical Launch Spaceport Licence

SaxaVord, located in the Shetland Islands, has officially been granted a spaceport license by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This marks a significant milestone for the UK's space sector as SaxaVord becomes the country's first licensed vertical launch spaceport. Previously, Spaceport Cornwall was licensed for horizontal launches using rockets from a modified Boeing.

The site, situated on the Lamba Ness peninsula in Unst, on the northerly coast of the islands, has undergone a series of safety, security, and environmental assessments by the UK's space regulator. The license allows SaxaVord to host up to 30 launches per year.

Without a UK CAA license, no rockets or satellites can leave the ground, as Virgin Orbit and Spaceport Cornwall experienced last year. "Granting SaxaVord their license is an era-defining moment for the UK space sector," said Tim Johnson, Director of Space Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. "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."

With this announcement, SaxaVord Spaceport also becomes the first fully licensed vertical spaceport in Western Europe. "The award of our spaceport license is both historic for Shetland, Scotland, and the UK, and places us firmly at the leading edge of the European and global space economy," said Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport. He also commended the Operations and Licensing Team led by Scott Hammond for their tireless efforts in securing this award.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has approved 352 space activities since becoming the country's official space regulator in July 2021. It currently monitors 750 different satellites and has licensed two spaceports, including the launch from Cornwall and the OneWeb constellation, which is the second largest satellite constellation in orbit.

In addition to the license award, the UK Space Agency has recently announced £3.4 million in funding for HyImpulse UK. This funding will support the company's Hybrid Propulsion Test Programme, which will be conducted ahead of the proposed launch of its launch vehicle, SL1, from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. HyImpulse UK is based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, as well as having a UK base in the Shetland Islands.

Overall, the granting of the spaceport license to SaxaVord represents a significant step forward for the UK's space industry. It opens up new possibilities for satellite launches and positions the country at the forefront of the European and global space economy.