Launch
SaxaVord
SaxaVord operates a licensed vertical-launch spaceport on Unst in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, providing launch-site and range-control services.
- Spaceports
- Vertical launch
- Range control
- Launch infrastructure
- Shetland
- Space industry
- International space
- Space companies
- Aerospace
- Launch
- Launch vehicles
SaxaVord operates a vertical-launch spaceport on Unst in Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Its website identifies SaxaVord UK Spaceport as the trading name of Shetland Space Centre Ltd, with a registered office in Grantown on Spey. The UK Civil Aviation Authority documents the company’s spaceport and range-control licences.
The range licence permits launch-safety services, including surveillance and flight monitoring, rather than authorising a launch by itself. In October 2026, the UK and German governments named SaxaVord in their plans for closer cooperation on European launch access.
Milestones
- 25 April 2024
The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted SaxaVord a range control licence for safety-critical services before and during launch.[3] - 20 August 2024
SaxaVord reported a fire during its customer Rocket Factory Augsburg’s first-stage test the previous evening; the company stated that nobody was injured.[4] - 08 October 2026
The UK and German governments named SaxaVord in their intention to deepen cooperation on launch and European access to space.[5]
Sources
SaxaVordSaxaVord — The Place for Spacesaxavord.com
SaxaVordTerms & Conditionssaxavord.com
UK Civil Aviation AuthoritySaxaVord Spaceport granted range licence by Civil Aviation Authoritycaa.co.uk
SaxaVordStatement on RFA stage losssaxavord.com
UK Prime Minister’s OfficeJoint UK-Germany Statement — Berlin, 8 October 2026gov.uk
Coverage of SaxaVord
Space policy
UK and Germany plan launch cooperation through SaxaVord
Their October 8 joint statement targets a space memorandum in early 2027 and closer cooperation on European launch access. It announces no new launch contract or spaceport funding award.
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