SaxaVord Spaceport UK

Western Europe’s first licensed vertical launch spaceport, offering direct routes to key low-earth orbits. #ReadyForLaunch

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

SaxaVord Spaceport is ready for launch.

Our focus now is helping our launch partners prepare for safe, successful lift-offs.

Stay tuned for more updates.

@rfa_space #SaxaVordSpaceport #ThePlaceForSpace

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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.

[HyImpulse Technologies @HyImpulseTech]

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 @UK_CAA and @SaxaVord_Space on the final operational activities ahead of our 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗥𝟳𝟱 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗹, planned for spring 2027.

Read the full press release: https://t.co/DbDPBamnsU

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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://t.co/hFBhnnUoT0

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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

[Rocket Factory Augsburg @rfa_space]

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 available.

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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!

[Rocket Factory Augsburg @rfa_space]

RFA ONE is on the launch pad. For the first time, our rocket is standing at SaxaVord Spaceport as we continue preparations for launch. Next step: first-stage hotfire testing.

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

@xLevel @rfa_space Yes a livestream is planned.

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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:

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

Delighted this week to welcome, in conjunction with our partner @rfa_space, 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

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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://t.co/k5ed0NBiEu

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

We're hard at work supporting @rfa_space as they prepare for first test flight.Further details around launch timing will be shared through the appropriate channels closer to the time. We’ll keep you posted!

[Rocket Factory Augsburg @rfa_space]

Update: RFA has submitted its application for the marine license for Test Flight 1 from @SaxaVord_Space. 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! 🚀

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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 https://t.co/Iiz92Elq2r

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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://t.co/SczfTkk3M9

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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!

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

Lift off. 🚀

Did you catch the launch of #Artemis II last night? 🚀

UK companies, scientists and engineers have played important roles in the Artemis programme, while @goonhillyorg in Cornwall has been tracking the Integrity capsule for NASA, with more to come. 📡

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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 https://t.co/6l4oTEyLP1

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

We’re thrilled to announce that SaxaVord Spaceport has signed a launch agreement with @HyImpulseTech , 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://t.co/NrTDFlXAiT

#ThePlaceForSpace #SaxaVordSpaceport #SaxaVord #UKSpace #UKLaunch #Shetland #HyImpulse #hyimpulsetechnologies

[AstroAgency @theAstroAgency]

A milestone for the Responsible Space Sector initiative at @SpaceCommExpo 🚀
With @esa, 3 new signatories, @SaxaVord_Space, Bercella & Grayspace joined 100+ organisations backing a sustainable, ethical & accessible space sector
Join us: https://t.co/I6yORfvMzg

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

Viewing arrangements for the upcoming test launch will prioritise Unst residents, with limited passes available and a livestream provided for all others. For more information head to our website - https://t.co/YUv2MMr9wz

[Rocket Factory Augsburg @rfa_space]

🚀 A major milestone on the road to RFA ONE’s orbital test flight!

We have delivered the first and second stages of our RFA ONE launch vehicle to @SaxaVord_Space in Scotland. This marks an important step as we move toward our first orbital launch, currently planned for summer 2026.

Over the past 18 months, our teams have advanced the development of both stages, with improvements to the Helix engine, tank pressurization systems, and operating procedures. The causes of the incident during a hot fire test in August 2024 have been fully understood and resolved.

The newly built first stage was tested in Augsburg and has arrived in early February at the launch site, where it will be integrated with its nine Helix engines, currently undergoing final acceptance testing at @SSCspace, Sweden.

Our second stage, following a successful hot fire test campaign at Esrange Space Center, has now also safely arrived at SaxaVord and is undergoing final checks.

There is still work ahead, but reaching this point is a significant achievement for the entire team. With both stages now at the spaceport, the next phase begins: vehicle integration and stage testing ahead of the first launch campaign this summer!

Learn more in our press release ▶️ https://t.co/3cBo0qudya

[SaxaVord Spaceport UK @SaxaVord_Space]

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 - https://t.co/Iiz92EkScT