SaxaVord Spaceport

01/10/2026

Amazing news from our client HyImpulse. Securing a UK Launch Operator Licence represents the culmination of a huge amount of detailed work by the HyImpulse team and the CAA, and we congratulate everyone involved. Today’s announcement is further evidence of the momentum building towards regular launch operations from SaxaVord.

Major milestone achieved: HyImpulse has received its 𝗨𝗞 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 from the Civil Aviation Authority, becoming a licensed launch operator in the United Kingdom.

The licence enables future launch operations from SaxaVord Spaceport and marks the completion of a comprehensive regulatory review process.

SR75 is ready for flight, and we are now working with the CAA and SaxaVord Spaceport on the final operational activities ahead of our 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗥𝟳𝟱 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗹, planned for spring 2027.

Read the full press release: https://hyimpulse.de/blog

08/09/2026

Major boost for the UK space sector!

SaxaVord Spaceport has welcomed plans for a £60 million public-private investment programme, including £30 million from the UK Government, to accelerate the UK's orbital launch capability.

For the full story - https://saxavord.com/60m-investment-plan-to-accelerate-saxavord-launch-capability/

05/08/2026

Update for local residents
The temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs) associated with the previously announced launch window have been put on hold until further notice.
There will therefore be no launch-related road restrictions in place during the period originally identified, between 10th August and 14th September.
We would like to thank the Unst community for its continued patience and support.

28/07/2026

The link to the latest from RFA - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rfa-space_after-a-successful-week-of-testing-rfa-one-activity-7487890994210775040-97lI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAFHy1ogBnvCLArCNo8xSgzENKWL6noYnzUM

As ever, we’re working hard to support our client RFA on the launch site.

After a successful week of testing RFA ONE on the pad for the first time, we encountered an issue with the vehicle that requires further investigation. We have made the decision to de-stack the vehicle in order to investigate. We will provide further updates as soon as confirmed information is avail...

24/07/2026

Yesterday, our very own Deputy CEO, Debbie Strang, was invited to speak on the “From First Launch to Launch Cadence” panel at the Farnborough International Airshow alongside Matthew Archer and Ian Annett.

Thank you for having us!

09/07/2026

Did you catch our CEO, Scott Hammond, on the Today programme this morning? Scott joined BBC Radio 4 to discuss our recent launch window announcement, share recent updates, and explain why a spaceport like SaxaVord is so important for the UK and Europe.

Here’s the full interview:

07/07/2026

We've outlined how our August–September launch window will operate, with potential test flight attempts limited to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 8pm. Any launch attempt will be confirmed at least 24 hours in advance, with temporary restrictions only in place when a launch is scheduled. Safety remains our priority, while disruption to the Unst community is kept to a minimum.

For all information - https://saxavord.com/saxavord-spaceport-outlines-how-launch-window-will-operate/

19/06/2026

Delighted this week to welcome, in conjunction with our partner RFA, a delegation from German government, industry and academia to SaxaVord Spaceport. They were impressed by progress so far towards RFA's first test flight and plans for the future at Lamba Ness.

03/05/2026

On 12th August 2025 we lost our CEO and Co-Founder, Frank Strang, to cancer. Today (3rd May) would have been his birthday. In his honour, we had this video made by Scotch! who have been following our journey for years. Not only does this short film capture Frank and all of his work but also how far SaxaVord has come.

To watch the full video - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d_ChD5byCkY

27/04/2026

Update: RFA has submitted its application for the marine licence for Test Flight 1 from Spaceport. For the first time, the application also specifies a potential launch window, which will open NET (no earlier than) July 1, 2026.

This is a legally required step for planning, and a good sign of how far we’ve come - but it’s not a launch date just yet.

We applied for this window because we’re working hard to be ready - and we’re getting closer every day.

So: the application means we’re entering a new phase of preparation. Still, as with any first-ever launch, there are uncertainties, and the schedule may evolve.

Further specific details around launch timing will be released through the appropriate channels closer to the time. We’ll keep you posted!