Space | Shetland News

Friday 14 August 2026

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A rocket launch pad stands near the edge of green cliffs by the sea, with buildings and grassy fields in the background under a cloudy sky.

First rocket launch from SaxaVord delayed further

6 August 2026

More than 30 accommodation units now proposed for space centre launch staff

4 August 2026

Rocket Factory Augsburg investigate ‘issue’ ahead of hot fire test

28 July 2026

Waves crash on a rocky coastline under a partly cloudy sky, with a launch tower or industrial structure visible in the distance on a grassy headland.

SaxaVord Spaceport confident it is ready for first launch this summer

9 July 2026

First SaxaVord rocket launch could take place in August

7 July 2026

Help needed to find a rocket that landed in the sea

25 June 2026

Waves crash on a rocky coastline under a partly cloudy sky, with a launch tower or industrial structure visible in the distance on a grassy headland.

Parts of first rocket launched from Unst expected to splash down east of Iceland

29 April 2026

A large metallic rocket engine is being moved by a crane, with a worker in a yellow jacket standing nearby at an industrial site.

Rocket Factory Augsburg prepare for orbital launch after 1 July

27 April 2026

HyImpulse agrees deal for suborbital launch from SaxaVord later this year

19 March 2026

A large metallic rocket engine is being moved by a crane, with a worker in a yellow jacket standing nearby at an industrial site.

Unst folk to be given first opportunity to view SaxaVord launches

10 March 2026

A large metallic rocket engine is being moved by a crane, with a worker in a yellow jacket standing nearby at an industrial site.

Rocket firm planning first launch from Unst this summer

9 March 2026

Waves crash on a rocky coastline under a partly cloudy sky, with a launch tower or industrial structure visible in the distance on a grassy headland.

UK Government’s £20m funding boost for Scottish spaceports welcomed

6 March 2026

A close-up view of several rocket engines covered with blue protective covers labeled "RFA Rocket Factory" inside a spacecraft assembly area.

Launches planned from SaxaVord for European Space Agency test programme

23 January 2026

Aerial view of a grassy coastal island with a lighthouse, buildings, and cliffs, surrounded by calm sea under a cloudy sky at sunset.

First launch from SaxaVord postponed until next year

22 November 2025

Yell whitefish boat Guardian Angell (LK272) is being passed on to a younger crew, while the current owner Michael Henderson builds a new boat. Photo Kevin Ritch/SFA

Fishermen seeking compensation for days lost to space launches

10 October 2025

Sign at the SaxaVord UK Space Port reading: "Welcome to the SaxaVord Spaceport - Europe's first licensed vertical launch facility opened on 29 May 2024," against a backdrop of grass and clear sky.

Campaign group critical of spaceport’s engagement with local community

Local councillor says he did not recognise the criticism levelled at the spaceport
SaxaVord did not engage in SpaceWatch UK’s ‘field work’

22 September 2025

A construction site featuring a tall industrial structure with scaffolding, a crane, various construction materials, and vehicles on a barren landscape under a cloudy sky.

Back Scottish space sector or risk falling behind, parliament committee urges UK Government

SaxaVord Spaceport chief also calls on government to “up its game”

10 September 2025

Middle-aged man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a pink checkered shirt, facing forward against a plain black background.

Hammond takes on chief executive role at spaceport

19 August 2025

Tributes to ‘true original’ Frank Strang following space chief’s death

14 August 2025

A group of workers stands in front of a large yellow and black rocket on a launch platform, with a crane and shipping containers in the background.

CAA issues first launch licence for UK space company

5 August 2025

A person leans on a sign at SaxaVord UK Spaceport, which announces it as Europe's first licensed vertical launch facility, opened on May 29, 2024.

Strang to step back from spaceport after receiving terminal cancer diagnosis

17 July 2025

Aerial view of a grassy coastal island with a lighthouse, buildings, and cliffs, surrounded by calm sea under a cloudy sky at sunset.

Orbex launch from Unst now expected in 2026

26 June 2025

Aerial view of a grassy coastal island with a lighthouse, buildings, and cliffs, surrounded by calm sea under a cloudy sky at sunset.

MP says government ‘must engage with Northern Isles space industry’ following defence review

3 June 2025

An older woman with short blonde hair and glasses stands by the waterfront, with boats and green hills visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.

Parliamentary committee confident of more government support for SaxaVord Spaceport

Spaceport set to play role in the UK’s sovereign defence capability

13 May 2025

A rocket launches vertically into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke, with snow-covered mountains and ground in the background.

Space industry reacts to Norwegian launch

31 March 2025

Aerial view of a grassy coastal island with a lighthouse, buildings, and cliffs, surrounded by calm sea under a cloudy sky at sunset.

SaxaVord enters partnership with West of Scotland ‘space cluster’

27 March 2025

Aerial view of a grassy coastal island with a lighthouse, buildings, and cliffs, surrounded by calm sea under a cloudy sky at sunset.

SaxaVord could be used for German monitoring satellites following agreement

11 March 2025

Parliament inquiry to ‘examine the reality of Scotland’s launch readiness’

4 March 2025

Spaceport hopeful of two or three launch attempts this year

5 February 2025

A rocky cliff with a launchpad on it.

SaxaVord ‘really important’ to UK Space Agency’s ambitions, director says

31 January 2025

Spaceport boost as rocket firm lands £20m government investment

29 January 2025

A rocket launches vertically from a launchpad, producing flames and thick smoke, with a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Updated

Rocket company’s spaceflight licence a ‘groundbreaking moment’

RFA’s licence to launch of SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst is the first of its kind to be granted in the UK

16 January 2025

Space agency ‘assessing’ Pathfinder launch after rocket firm decision

12 December 2024

Updated

Space firm shifts from Sutherland to SaxaVord

4 December 2024

A small coastal rocket launch site with a rocket on the pad, surrounded by support vehicles and trailers, against a backdrop of the ocean and rocky shore.

Further European support for space firms hoping to launch from SaxaVord

20 November 2024

A construction site featuring a tall industrial structure with scaffolding, a crane, various construction materials, and vehicles on a barren landscape under a cloudy sky.

Rocket company keen to get back on SaxaVord launch pad ‘as soon as possible’

8 November 2024

Sign at the SaxaVord UK Space Port reading: "Welcome to the SaxaVord Spaceport - Europe's first licensed vertical launch facility opened on 29 May 2024," against a backdrop of grass and clear sky.

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

11 September 2024

A small coastal rocket launch site with a rocket on the pad, surrounded by support vehicles and trailers, against a backdrop of the ocean and rocky shore.

Space centre director role for ex-Downing Street press secretary

6 September 2024

A large explosion with flames and smoke captured on surveillance camera at a facility with storage containers and fencing on August 19, 2024, at 20:14:52.

Launch plans delayed as rocket firm shares footage from test incident

24 August 2024

A small coastal rocket launch site with a rocket on the pad, surrounded by support vehicles and trailers, against a backdrop of the ocean and rocky shore.

Safety protocols worked exactly as planned – spaceport boss confirms

Isles MP Alistair Carmichael calls for the findings of any investigation to be shared with the community

20 August 2024

A large plume of smoke and flames is seen rising from a hill, indicating a significant fire or explosion with cloudy skies in the background.

No injuries after rocket engine ends up in flames during test at Unst spaceport

19 August 2024

A small coastal rocket launch site with a rocket on the pad, surrounded by support vehicles and trailers, against a backdrop of the ocean and rocky shore.

First launch from SaxaVord slips from August to September or early October

24 July 2024

A rocket is being fired out of a container.

Space company secures £5m in government funding

22 July 2024

Plans submitted for satellite ground station

14 June 2024

Five people standing outdoors behind a vibrant red, orange, and blue ribbon, with one person holding bagpipes. Two children are also present, along with sunny weather in the background.

Europe’s only fully licensed vertical launch spaceport declared open

Preparations for first orbital launch well underway
UK Government investment of £10m in project finalised

29 May 2024

A rocket stands on a launch pad emitting smoke and preparing for liftoff, with a coastal landscape and ocean in the background.

Successful first ‘hot fire’ test at spaceport

21 May 2024

Industrial construction site with a large crane and a partially built structure featuring a tall chimney, surrounded by machinery and building materials under a cloudy sky.

Rocket manufacturer prepares for ‘hot fire campaign’

2 May 2024

A seagull flies over an industrial construction site with large machinery, cranes, and a tall chimney under a cloudy sky.

Spaceport clears final hurdle to become fully operational

25 April 2024

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