SaxaVord Spaceport has welcomed a UK government plan to invest £30 million as part of a wider £60 million public-private program aimed at accelerating the UK’s orbital launch capability.
The government investment, which is subject to due diligence, forms part of the UK’s updated space strategy and will be complemented by £30 million (US$40 million) in planned private investment.
The program will support completion of key infrastructure at SaxaVord including all three launchpads, mission management infrastructure and a second integration hangar.
SaxaVord is the UK’s only licensed vertical launch spaceport, with regulatory approval for up to 30 launches a year, and is being developed to accommodate multiple launch providers.
Scott Hammond, CEO of SaxaVord, said, “We have transformed a former RAF radar station in Unst into the UK’s first licensed vertical launch spaceport. This government investment, which will unlock a matching amount of private investment, will help us take the next step – establishing regular launch operations from the UK and building a sustainable commercial spaceport for the long term.”
“We are building the spaceport for the thousandth as much as the first launch, creating a safe, secure and trusted home for our client launch providers for many years to come,” he added.
Lise Kaae, CEO of Heartland, which holds a majority stake in the spaceport through its investment arm Wild Ventures, said, “We are very pleased to welcome UK government as an investor and partner in SaxaVord. Their commitment is a strong endorsement of the ambitions for the company, the spaceport in Shetland and the potential we have believed in for many years.”
“As long-standing supporters and partners, we are proud of the development so far and look forward to continuing the journey alongside the UK Government,” she added.
Rocket Factory Augsburg is working toward the first vertical orbital test flight from UK soil, while HyImpulse is preparing for a sub-orbital launch campaign. SaxaVord is also in discussions with further launch service providers.
The UK government investment remains subject to due diligence and final sign-off, and SaxaVord Spaceport intends to make a further announcement, including details of the investment program, once the agreement has been settled.
