Shetland spaceport moves closer to first rocket launch

SaxaVord were the first in the UK to receive their spaceport licence in December 2023 and their aim is to launch up to 30 rockets every year.

The range licence outlines what SaxaVord needs to do to safeguard the maritime areas around Shetland during the launch of any rockets, and to keep the airspace clear above as the rocket passes over the north pole and into orbit.

The skies over the north of Scotland are a busy flight path for many transatlantic flights, so no fly zones would need to be put in place during the launch window.

The range licence also places emphasis on warning people on the ground about the timing of a launch.

Frank Strang, chief executive of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “We are delighted to have been granted our range licence by the Civil Aviation Authority and had it approved by the Secretary of State for Transport, following on from our spaceport licence in December last year.

“This is a vital component in our preparations for launch. As Western Europe’s only fully licenced vertical launch spaceport, we are now preparing to make more space history with the beginning of orbital launch operations well underway.”