SSC to collaborate with B2Space on stratospheric balloon launches

Shetland Space Centre has joined forces with B2Space, a Bristol-based firm that is developing a small satellite launcher centred on a stratospheric balloon.

The two companies have agreed to collaborate on a study into the feasibility of using Unst as a launch site for the innovative new system, which is known as rockoon.

B2Space Co-founder Valentin Canales, who visited Shetland for the space symposium in May, said: “The study will demonstrate the convenience of Shetland as a launch location for polar and sun-synchronous orbits, and will show the potential of Shetland for other launch operators.”

SSC Project Director Scott Hammond said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Valentin and his team and look forward to taking the next steps on developing what is potentially a major new sector of the Shetland economy.”

B2Space is already working with the Llanbedr Spaceport in Wales to develop a prototype of its launch system, which carries a small rocket into high altitude that then launches to deliver the small satellites into their required orbits.

The system will be tested and operated between Llanbedr and Shetland to meet the launch rates necessary for the business to operate successfully.