First SaxaVord rocket launch could take place in August
THE FIRST rocket test flight could take place at SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst between August and early September.
A launch window will be in place at the site, having been agreed with international, national and local authorities and regulators.
SaxaVord Spaceport said it did not necessarily mean there will be a launch at the site during that time, but would allow one of its clients to attempt a launch if it is ready.
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) said earlier this year it was aiming for a launch after 1 July, with the first and second stages of its ONE launch vehicle delivered to Unst in March.
The first launch at SaxaVord has been long-awaited and is much anticipated, with an expected launch last year postponed until 2026.
SaxaVord Spaceport said the launch window was designed to minimise disruption to everyday life in Unst while maintaining the highest safety standards.
The window spans five weeks from Monday 10 August, but restrictions will not be in place continuously throughout that period.
Instead, potential launch attempts can only take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 8pm.
A decision on whether to proceed with a launch attempt will be made 24 hours in advance, allowing residents and visitors to plan accordingly.
SaxaVord said that, as with all space launches, attempts remain subject to weather and technical considerations and may be postponed or called off at short notice.
“If a launch attempt is confirmed, a launch exclusion zone (LEZ) will be put in place immediately around the spaceport and in a maritime area to the north of Unst for the four-hour period,” it said.
“Vessels will be asked to vacate this area when a launch attempt is due.
“A much larger warning zone stretching up to the Jan Mayen islands will also be in place, which vessels will be encouraged to vacate. Air traffic will be re-routed.
“All maritime and airspace users will be notified of these zones by the relevant authorities.”
Temporary traffic regulations orders will also be put in place in the north of Unst, which will allow a visitor management plan – as agreed with Shetland Islands Council – to be implemented.
“Residents in these areas have been invited to apply for vehicle passes which will allow them to continue with their daily lives unhindered by any visitors to watch the launch,” SaxaVord said.
“Importantly, these restrictions will only be implemented if a launch attempt is actually taking place.
“They will not remain in force for the duration of the five-week launch window.”
The spaceport’s chief executive Scott Hammond said their aim was to balance the operational and safety requirements of launching rockets alongside “being a good neighbour”.
“We’ve worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum while maintaining the highest safety standards,” he added.
SaxaVord previously announced that local residents will have first call on viewing spaces for test flights and launches, with a limited number of passes for an authorised viewing area to be made available.
These will initially be offered to people living in Unst, and any not taken up will be offered to people from outside the island.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party 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.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
