SaxaVord Spaceport Launch Services
Description
SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK's northernmost commercial spaceport, located at Lamba Ness on Unst island in Shetland (latitude ~60.9°N), the northernmost point of the British Isles. The location provides optimal access to polar and sun-synchronous orbits without overflying populated areas — critical for orbital launch safety licensing. SaxaVord is the first UK site to receive planning permission and regulatory approvals for orbital launches.
SaxaVord offers launch pad facilities, range safety systems, telemetry infrastructure, and logistical support for vertical launch vehicles. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA ONE) and Isar Aerospace (Spectrum) have both announced SaxaVord as a primary launch site. The spaceport can also accommodate vertical suborbital vehicles.
The UK Space Agency has supported SaxaVord's development through the Enabling Technologies Programme and Launch UK initiative, as part of the UK government's strategy to establish national launch capability. The spaceport represents the UK's ambition to be a major player in European commercial space access, complementing the horizontal-launch Virgin Orbit attempt at Cornwall Spaceport in 2023.
Specifications
| Location | Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK (60.9°N) |
|---|---|
| Launch type | Vertical orbital and suborbital |
| Orbital access | Polar SSO (80°–90°+ inclinations) |
| Anchor tenants | Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA ONE), Isar Aerospace (Spectrum) |
| Regulatory status | UK Civil Aviation Authority licensed for orbital launch |
| Operator | SaxaVord Spaceport (Frank Strang CEO) |
