How to View…
test flights & launches.
Local residents will have first call on viewing spaces for test flights and launches from SaxaVord Spaceport.
These will initially be offered to people living in Unst, and any not taken up will be offered to people from outside the island.
Test flights and launches will be livestreamed, enabling people everywhere with a broadband connection to view them.
Well in advance of any proposed test flight, in line with space industry practice worldwide, a launch window will be identified and publicised.
This is likely to last several weeks, however to minimise disruption, over that timespan launches will only be able to take place on specified days, and during specified hours within those days. At least 24 hours’ notice will be given of a planned launch.
On launch days a strict, defined exclusion zone will be in force, along with a series of road closures. Passholders will be required to comply with local arrangements to reach the viewing area.
State-of-the-art facilities
Currently, the site has one operational launch complex, consisting of a launch stool, pad and Integration hangar, where rockets and satellites are integrated. The stool and pad are occupied exclusively by Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA).
A bespoke rocket tracking, telemetry and flight termination system has also been installed on the site.
Two more complexes are under construction, as well as a Mission Management Control Centre to monitor launches.
SaxaVord also provides bespoke facilities for component testing, development and storage.
There is also office space, high-quality accommodation and catering for those close to the launch site.
Once built, the spaceport will support up to 30 launches a year.
Unst.
There will also be a small maritime exclusion zone to the north of Unst which vessels will have to vacate when rocket flights are due, and a much larger warning zone stretching up to the Jan Mayen islands. Vessels will be heavily encouraged to vacate this warning area and will be notified via radio that a launch is due. Air traffic will be re-routed.
All maritime and airspace users will be notified by the relevant authorities.
Unst is a small island (pop. 600) with a network of mainly single track roads and very few accommodation options.
Ferry places into Unst are also at a premium during much of the year, and getting to and from the Shetland mainland via ferry from Aberdeen or air from various airports can be a challenge.
More precise and detailed information on launches will be published on this page when specific launch windows are announced by SaxaVord and its clients.
Impact
Future Restrictions
Q&A
The latest news from Launch control
Viewing spaces for SaxaVord test launches to be offered to local people first
Local residents will have first call on viewing spaces for test flights and launches from SaxaVord Spaceport, it was announced today. Due to licensing conditions imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which rightly place health and safety above all other...
SaxaVord strengthens operations with two new senior appointments
SaxaVord Spaceport has bolstered its growing team with two new senior appointments in operations as it prepares for first launch. Ian Palmer has joined as Director of Operations and Nadine Armiger-Drake as Spaceport Operations Manager. Both bring a wealth of skills,...
SaxaVord deputy CEO appointed as new boss
Scott Hammond is the new chief executive of SaxaVord Spaceport, the company announced today following the death of his friend and co-founder Frank Strang. Until now deputy CEO, Scott will take over the running of the company as it prepares to host a first test flight...