SaxaVord Spaceport Overview
A complete overview of the SaxaVord Spaceport launch site, including key info, launch stats and the companies that launch from it.
SaxaVord Spaceport, formerly known as the Shetland Space Centre, is an emerging spaceport situated on the Lamba Ness peninsula of Unst, the most northerly island in the Shetland archipelago, Scotland. Positioned adjacent to the RAF Saxa Vord radar station and near the Skaw settlement, this location is strategically chosen for its northern latitude, favorable for launching into polar and Sun-synchronous orbits. The spaceport is gearing up to support a variety of rockets, including the Skyrora XL, ABL RS1, and others, aiming to facilitate up to 30 launches annually. After overcoming initial objections from Historic Environment Scotland concerning a nearby historical site, SaxaVord Spaceport secured a license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority in late 2023, marking a significant step towards becoming the first fully licensed vertical spaceport in Western Europe.
