A launch window will be in place at SaxaVord Spaceport during August and early September to allow for a rocket test flight.
The window – agreed with international, national and local authorities and regulators – is designed to minimise disruption to everyday life in Unst while maintaining the highest safety standards.
It does not necessarily mean that there will be a launch, but allows one of SaxaVord’s clients to attempt a test flight if it is ready to do so.
Although the agreed launch window spans five weeks from Monday 10th August, this does not mean restrictions will be in place continuously throughout that period.
Instead, potential launch attempts can only take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 8pm.
A decision on whether to proceed with a launch attempt will be made 24 hours in advance, allowing residents and visitors to plan accordingly. However, as with all space launches, attempts remain subject to weather and technical considerations and may be postponed or scrubbed at short notice.
If a launch attempt is confirmed, a launch exclusion zone (LEZ) will be put in place immediately around the spaceport and in a maritime area to the north of Unst for the four-hour period. Vessels will be asked to vacate this area when a launch attempt is due.
A much larger warning zone stretching up to the Jan Mayen islands will also be in place, which vessels will be encouraged to vacate. Air traffic will be re-routed.
All maritime and airspace users will be notified of these zones by the relevant authorities.
Temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs) will be put in place in the north of Unst to allow a visitor management plan agreed with Shetland Islands Council to be implemented. Residents in these areas have been invited to apply for vehicle passes which will allow them to continue with their daily lives unhindered by any visitors to watch the launch.
Importantly, these restrictions will only be implemented if a launch attempt is actually taking place. They will not remain in force for the duration of the five-week launch window.
Scott Hammond, Chief Executive of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “We fully appreciate that launch operations are something new for our community, so we want residents to understand exactly what a launch window means in practice.
“A five-week launch window does not mean restrictions will be in place for five weeks. Restrictions will only be introduced if a launch attempt is scheduled, and we’ll provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
“Our aim is always to balance the operational and safety requirements of launching rockets with our commitment to being a good neighbour. We’ve worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
SaxaVord has previously announced that local residents will have first call on viewing spaces for test flights and launches. A limited number of passes for an authorised viewing area will be made available.
These will initially be offered to people living in Unst, and any not taken up will be offered to people from outside the island.