Scottish Shetlands to host Britain's first spaceport. SaxaVord ready for rocket launch by 2024
5:11 PM EST, December 18, 2023
This newfound responsibility is significantly substantial news for this small community. They will host the first British spaceport for rocket launching.
As detailed by express.co.uk, this is set to be the first fully licensed spaceport in Western Europe, which has been approved for vertical orbit launches.
The SaxaVord license will facilitate up to 30 launches per year. Testing is anticipated to begin in August 2024, while targets are expected to reach orbit from 2025 onwards.
The rocket landing pad will be set up in a secluded, rural area, encircled by the sea. As of yet, it remains uncertain if public viewing platforms will be established nearby.
Unst, the small island, assigned cosmic task; SaxaVord port construction is in progress
Tim Johnson, the Director of Space Regulation at the CAA, heralded the granting of a license to SaxaVord as a defining moment for the UK space industry. "This sets the stage for a new chapter in UK space. We are committed to ensuring the safety and sustainable growth of UK space activities," stated Johnson.
The license and future prospects have delighted both the UK government and local Scottish authorities. The local residents are also thrilled as a significant center in the vicinity implies enhanced opportunities for economic development.
