SaxaVord prepares for first rocket launch attempts from UK soil

SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland has announced a "launch window" for a possible rocket test flight.

The company said launch attempts could be made during a five-week period beginning on Monday 10 August, if conditions were right.

It said restrictions would not be in place for the full five weeks, and residents would get 24 hours’ advance notice of a test.

A number of companies hope to use SaxaVord in Unst, the northernmost point in the UK, as a launch site for small commercial rockets.

German firm Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is expected to be the first to carry out tests this year.

SaxaVord Spaceport said launch attempts would only be permitted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 16:00 and 20:00.

It said this would "minimise disruption" to islanders while maintaining the "highest safety standards".

The company said that attempts could be postponed or stopped at short notice because of weather or "technical considerations".

In August 2024, during a test by RFA known as a hot-fire, an engine exploded at the SaxaVord site.

It resulted in a some damage to the launch platform and completely destroyed the engine.

Good neighbour

SaxaVord Spaceport said an exclusion zone would be in place for four hours for any test attempted during the five weeks.

It would include the spaceport and an area of sea to the north of Unst. Vessels would be asked to move out of the zone.

A larger "warning zone" up to Norway’s Jan Mayen islands in the Arctic Ocean would also be in place, with flights re-routed.

The spaceport said maritime and airspace users would be kept up-to-date by authorities.

Temporary traffic orders would be in place in north Unst to handle visitors trying to see a launch, and residents have been invited to apply for vehicle passes.

Scott Hammond, chief executive of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: "A five-week launch window does not mean restrictions will be in place for five weeks.

"Restrictions will only be introduced if a launch attempt is scheduled, and we’ll provide at least 24 hours’ notice."

Hammond said the company aimed to balance operational and safety requirements alongside a commitment to "being a good neighbour".

He added that disruption would be kept to a minimum.

Local residents will have the opportunity to gain access to viewing spaces for test flights and launches.