A site on the Shetland Islands has become the UK’s first licensed spaceport for vertical rocket launches.
SaxaVord Spaceport, on the island of Unst, has been granted the licence by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), paving the way for its first launches in 2024.
The site is owned by husband and wife Frank and Debbie Strang, who took over the former RAF base in 2004.
So far, just under £30 million has been spent on developing the spaceport, which includes three launch pads and a hangar for assembling rockets.
Tim Johnson, director of space regulation at the CAA, said: “Granting SaxaVord their licence is an era-defining moment for the UK space sector.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for UK space as rockets may soon launch satellites into orbit from Scotland.
“We are undertaking vital work to make sure the UK’s space activities are safe and sustainable for all.”
German companies Rocket Factory Augsburg and HyImpulse hope to carry out launches from SaxaVord in 2024.
Mr Strang said the award of the licence is “historic”, adding: “Our team is very proud that the Government has entrusted us with operating a complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-launch spaceport, and we all take this responsibility very seriously.
“There is much to do still but this is a fantastic way to end the year and head into Christmas.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The United Kingdom’s space industry is growing, with SaxaVord set for lift-off to become this country’s first vertical spaceport.
“Today’s historic announcement will boost Shetland’s economy and put the United Kingdom at the forefront of spaceflight innovation.”
The Scottish Government’s innovation minister Richard Lochhead said: “This milestone heralds a new era for space in Scotland.
“As the UK’s first licensed vertical spaceport, SaxaVord and Scotland can soon be a gateway to space, deploying cutting-edge small satellites into orbit for international and domestic customers alike.”
While Cornwall Spaceport became the UK’s first licensed spaceport, SaxaVord’s licence allows it to host vertical launches rather than horizontal launches of rockets carried by aircraft.
