The site, based in Unst, is the northernmost point of the Shetland Islands and is run by Saxavord who are planning their first launches next year.
In March 2023 Scott Hammond, Deputy CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, told Tech & Science Daily the satellites they’re planning to launch will be used for earth observation, communication and life sciences.
SaxaVord is licensed for up to 30 launches each year and caters for companies looking to launch satellites into polar orbits.
On Monday, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s rocket company Blue Origin is set to livestream its first launch in over a year.
It’ll be the company’s first attempt since the rocket booster failed during its September 2022 launch.
An investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration in the USA found that the ‘proximate cause’ of the failure was due to an engine nozzle succumbing to “higher than expected engine operating temperatures”.
Blue Origin says the rocket, called New Shepard, will fly its 24th mission, carrying 33 science payloads.
MrBeast, YouTube’s most subscribed individual, has launched his very own analytics platform called ViewStats, which is now out in Beta.
It reveals detailed stats about channels that both creators and their fans can see.
The platform was co-founded by creator Chucky Appleby, who posted on X that ViewStats is a website and chrome extension that can produce thumbnail A/B tests, and estimated 1/10 rankings.
In science news, researchers from the University of Exeter believe algae could be a new alternative source of protein to meat.
The team managed to demonstrate that two types of algae are high in protein, can be ingested by humans, and can support muscle growth in healthy young adults.
Study participants were given a drink containing 25 grams of protein derived from either algae, specifically one of two types called spirulina or chlorella, or mycoprotein, the substance used in Quorn products.
After performing a one-legged resistance exercise, the participants blood was then tested, and the results showed that ingestion of spirulina or chlorella was as effective as the mycoprotein at ‘stimulating’ myofibrillar protein synthesis - the process of repairing muscles.
Also in this episode:
Youtuber Joe Makes creates bricks that can absorb traffic noise, Scottish pupils say their wellbeing has improved since a school mobile classroom ban, and how Reindeer use ‘night vision’ during the winter.
Listen above, find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts.
