The new Spaceport on Unst.

                        The New Spaceport in Scotland

A new Spaceport has been constructed in Shetland Islands to the north of Scotland. It has been officially opened and is preparing for its first ever orbital rocket launch over the summer of 2024. It will then be the base for the launch of vertical rockets and satellites over the next few years. The SaxaVord Spaceport is based on the island of Unst, part of the Shetland Islands and is the only fully-licensed vertical rocket launch spaceport in western Europe.

                                     The Launch Vehicle

The first orbital rocket launch at the new Spaceport will  be by the German rocket manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg on the completion of the engine testing programme currently being run the company. Once the launches commence this summer it is hoped that many more small payloads of small satellites will be delivered in to polar orbits as the space industry continues to rapidly expand.  As well as employment opportunities it is hoped it will also provide research possibilities for the local area. It will be principally involved in the launch of commercial satellites in to polar orbit. It would also be suitable for the launch of satellites in to Sun-Synchronous orbit.

                                       Location of the Spaceport

The new spaceport now known as SaxaVord Spaceport is situated on the Lamba Ness peninsula on the island of Unst, the northernmost of the Shetland Islands to the north of Scotland.