Critical Safety License Granted to Shetland's SaxaVord Spaceport

The spaceport, situated on the northern tip of the Shetland Islands, aims to launch rockets vertically into orbit from British soil. This strategic location offers proximity to polar and sun-synchronous orbits, enhancing the spaceport's appeal for satellite launches and commercial space activities. The initiative represents a significant step forward in the UK's space industry ambitions, fostering innovation, investment, and collaboration in the burgeoning space sector.

A spaceport aiming to become the first facility in the UK to vertically launch rockets into orbit has been granted a vital safety license.

The SaxaVord Spaceport, situated on the northern tip of the Shetland Islands, has been authorized to establish and manage a hazard area downstream of the launchpad to mitigate risks to aircraft and maritime traffic.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), tasked with overseeing space launches, has affirmed its confidence in the spaceport operator's ability to furnish "range-control services." These services involve safeguarding the designated area from unauthorized access and diligently monitoring rocket trajectory during flight to ensure safety.

This represents a significant legal achievement. The CAA has already granted SaxaVord a license for its ground operations. Colin Macleod, head of UK space regulation at the CAA, emphasized the importance of this license in ensuring public safety before and during launches.

He explained, "It's a remote location with a relatively narrow range for launching northwards. The size of the safety zone will depend on factors such as the size of the rocket, its likelihood of failure, and its trajectory. Additionally, the time of day can impact the amount of air and maritime traffic in the area."

The spaceport aims to conduct up to 30 rocket launches annually. Its strategic position on the northern tip of the UK makes it well-suited for deploying satellites and other payloads into orbits that traverse the north and south poles.

Source: Sky news‍