Space / Unst folk to be given first opportunity to view SaxaVord launches
UNST residents will be given the first chance to view test flights and launches from SaxaVord Spaceport this summer.
A limited number of passes for an authorised viewing area will be offered to people living in Unst, and then offered to other Shetlanders if they are not taken up. Test flights and launches will also be livestreamed.
SaxaVord Spaceport said a launch window would be publicised well in advance of any proposed test flight, with at least 24 hours noticed given of a planned launch.
“On launch days a strict, defined exclusion zone will be in force, along with a series of road closures,” it said.
“Passholders will be required to comply with local arrangements to reach the viewing area.”
A “small maritime exclusion zone” will be designated to the north of Unst during launches, which vessels will have to vacate during certain periods. Air traffic will also be re-routed.
SaxaVord Spaceport chief executive Scott Hammond said they expected a test flight from Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) this summer – as reported by Shetland News yesterday.
“Clearly, this is hugely exciting and testament to all the hard work done by RFA and by our team here at SaxaVord,” Hammond said.
“It is important to us that Unst residents have first refusal on the limited number of viewing spaces that will be available given that they have been most impacted by the building of the spaceport and will be most affected on launch days.
“Due to the fact that this will be a test flight and the length of the launch window, if you live outwith Shetland I would recommend that you watch it on the livestream rather than bear the cost and time involved with travelling here only to be disappointed.”
More precise and detailed information on launches will be published when specific launch windows are announced by SaxaVord.
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