Tuesday 15 October 2024
 11.3°C   S Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Space / Meeting hears first SaxaVord launch could be in February – but spaceport says no timetable is yet in place

A SAXAVORD Spaceport spokesperson says there is no timetable in place yet for a first test flight – despite a council meeting hearing that an inaugural launch could take place in February.

It comes after rocket company RFA’s failed “hot fire” engine test on one of the spaceport’s launch pads in August.

Shetland Islands Council’s development director Neil Grant said at a meeting on Wednesday that he understood the first launch from Unst could now be in February.

However a spokesperson for SaxaVord Spaceport said afterwards there was no timetable in place yet.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Shetland North councillor Tom Morton also questioned whether the launchpad was fit for purpose after the test or damaged.

Grant said it was his understanding the launch pad has not been damaged.

RFA had hoped to undertake a launch from Unst in September or October – but that has been pushed back due to the test incident.

SaxaVord Spaceport chief executive Frank Strang said at the time that all safety procedures and protocols had worked as planned.

Launch plans delayed as rocket firm shares footage from test incident

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.