SaxaVord Spaceport

SaxaVord Spaceport Western Europe’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, offering routes to key low-earth orbits.
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Europe's first fully licensed spaceport, offering direct routes to key low-earth orbits. We’re developing our infrastructure and critical services for vertical rocket launch providers at our site at Lamba Ness, Unst, Shetland.

The company was formed in 2017 by local entrepreneurs Frank Strang and Debbie Strang at the former RAF Saxa Vord base in Unst. The team at SaxaVord is buil

ding a highly skilled workforce, championing STEAM education and supporting the economic growth of local communities in Shetland.

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

Update: RFA has submitted its application for the marine licence for Test Flight 1 from Spaceport. For the first time, ...
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!

The April SaxaVoice is live!Digital innovation, growing our team, sustainability in action, and a historic moment for hu...
24/04/2026

The April SaxaVoice is live!
Digital innovation, growing our team, sustainability in action, and a historic moment for human spaceflight see what’s been happening at SaxaVord Spaceport this month.

Sign up to the newsletter to keep up with all the latest at saxavord.com

16/04/2026

🚀 The Visitor Room reopens this Saturday! 🚀
📅 18 April 2026

⏰ Open 3 days a week, 11am–4pm (unmanned).

✅ Please check this page before visiting — we’ll post here if we’re closed.

👥 Group bookings outside opening hours available. Contact [email protected] at least 3 days ahead to book.

See you soon!

13/04/2026

The Lamba Ness Launch Site is now open for virtual exploration!
Step inside SaxaVord Spaceport from your mobile or desktop and discover everything happening across our site!

Working with Dark Star Labs, we’ve built an accessible 'Digital Twin' of SaxaVord. From our geography to our launch infrastructure and rich heritage, you can now explore the UK’s gateway to space from any browser, anywhere in the world.
This is a living project. As our site evolves, so will the experience.

We’re incredibly excited to finally share more of what’s been developing on site.

Explore now - https://saxavord.darkstarlabs.io/

02/04/2026

What an incredible moment! Did you catch the Artemis II launch? Watching history unfold in real time was truly remarkable.

Huge congratulations to the crew and everyone behind this milestone for humanity. From Shetland to the stars - SaxaVord Spaceport is cheering you on all the way!

It’s been a busy and exciting month at SaxaVord, with new sustainability milestones, industry partnerships and steady pr...
27/03/2026

It’s been a busy and exciting month at SaxaVord, with new sustainability milestones, industry partnerships and steady progress towards RFA’s first test flight.

For the full stories sign up to our monthly newsletter on saxavord.com

We’re thrilled to announce that SaxaVord Spaceport has signed a launch agreement with HyImpulse, marking the next step i...
19/03/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that SaxaVord Spaceport has signed a launch agreement with HyImpulse, marking the next step in our long‑standing partnership and strengthening our position at the forefront of UK vertical space launch.

The upcoming SR75 suborbital mission, HyImpulse’s first from European soil, will showcase innovative hybrid propulsion technology and expand launch activity from Unst.

We look forward to supporting the HyImpulse team as we continue building a resilient, world‑class launch ecosystem in Shetland.

For the full story head to our website - https://saxavord.com/saxavord-and-hyimpulse-sign-launch-agreement-to-advance-european-launch-capabilities/

A big month on site - from RFA completing their umbilical tower, to welcoming First Minister John Swinney and marking hi...
27/02/2026

A big month on site - from RFA completing their umbilical tower, to welcoming First Minister John Swinney and marking his signing of the RFA ONE stage, plus celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Catch all the detail in this month’s newsletter. Sign up on our website - saxavord.com

Address

Saxa Vord Resort
Lerwick
ZE29TJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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