Business / SaxaVord supports rocket launch from Cape Canaveral
A GROUND station in Unst designed to support satellites is set to assist a launch in Florida later today (Thursday).
SaxaVord Spaceport’s station at Baltasound Airport will provide launch and early operation support for Gossamer Piccolomini, which will be on board a Falcon 9 rocket for the SpaceX Transporter 3 rideshare mission taking off from Cape Canaveral.
The ground station became operational last summer after a 3.7 metre parabolic disk antenna was installed within a radome at the former oil industry airport.
Ground station network manager Jacques Meheut said the spaceport has signed a contract with Lunasonde, which has created and developed a revolutionary low-frequency radar system using pioneering subsurface imaging for detecting and monitoring exploitable resources.
When Gossamer Piccolomini has reached its low earth orbit, the ground station will continue to support it by downlinking satellite data and new mission updates.
“Last year was a busy year, with the installation of the first ground station supporting space-related activities in Shetland amid the challenges posed by Covid restrictions.
“And we kick off 2022 as we mean to go forward, with the Lunasonde contract a tremendous achievement for the team here.”
Chief executive of Lunasonde Jeremiah Pate added that the SaxaVord ground station is invaluable to collecting first data from orbit for the company.
The launch of the SpaceX Transporter 3 Mission is currently scheduled for 3pm UK time today, Thursday. A live feed will be made available via this link.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
