Space experts arrive in SaxaVord to prepare for blast-off
Space technicians visited SaxaVord to gather data ahead of their inaugural launch later this year.
The team from Orbex, which recently announced its partnership with the Unst-based spaceport, also discussed the development of its dedicated launch complex.
Orbex, which has its headquarters in Forres, paused plans to develop its own spaceport in Sutherland, to focus its efforts on the development of its low-carbon micro-launcher – Orbex Prime.
The company said it was gearing up for its first launch from Shetland later in 2025. It has the ability to launch 10 rockets a year.
Chief technical officer Andy Bradford said: “This is a critical time for Orbex.
“Visits like these are key to understanding more about our launch complex at SaxaVord and Orbex Prime’s journey into launch.
“We look forward to building on our partnership with SaxaVord Spaceport to establish Scotland as a leader in the UK space sector.”
Hugh Jarse
The chances of Orbex launching this year are about the same as Jesus’s making an appearance at Up Helly Aa
Gavin Baldwin
I’ve only just caught up with this story.
Could someone direct me to an assessment of environmental impact especially on the poor old bonxies.
Mark Sullivan
I agree – where is the environmental impact report – and the safety report given all the recent Space X crash and burn…