2023 could be the year that rocket launches rock the Shetland Isles of Scotland, UK.
These ancient islands, some of the most northernmost in the UK, are the location of the Unst Spaceport, which is currently under development.
Should plans proceed, the Lamba Ness peninsula on Unst will be the site of up to 30 launches each year, making it one of the best locations in Northern Europe to see a rocket launch.
If you’re a space enthusiast, we’ll look at the best places to watch a rocket launch from the Shetland Islands.
The UK’s Shetland Islands have entered the space race!
The Shetland Islands in Scotland are now home to the SaxaVord Spaceport (Shetland Space Centre).
This spaceport is on Unst, the most northern of the islands, and named after its highest peak.
So far the site is underdeveloped, with proposals to create three rocket launch pads with satellite tracking facilities, rocket hangars, and allied facilities that can support launches of up to 30 meters in length.
A packed roster of launches will feature rocket launches on behalf of space industry leaders like SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and ABL Space Systems.
It has received funding from UK Space Agency grants and is set to become a commercial hub for the space industry in northern Europe.
A controversial venture
The spaceport is extremely controversial as its location on the Lamba Ness peninsula of the island of Unst is home to diverse wildlife and a variety of historic landmarks including Bronze Age remains that have been uncovered by the development.
Currently, Unst’s biggest attraction is the Hermaness Nature Reserve, home to a wide range of protected breeding birds, with breathtaking cliff-top views.
Watch UK rocket launches from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland
The Shetland Islands are bracing themselves for a new surge in tourism.
Space enthusiasts are now joining the islands’ usual adventurers and explorers for a unique opportunity to see a real-life rocket launch.
A recent attempted launch in Cornwall was attended by over 20,000 observers, a strong indication that the orbital rocket launch from SaxaVord Spaceport will draw visitors in their thousands too.
A new hotel, visitor center, and dedicated viewing area are on the way
The SaxaVord Spaceport team, led by CEO Frank and Debbie Strang, intends to build a 250-bed hotel and visitor center complex on Unst in proximity to the spaceport.
They expect the accommodation to be used year-round by space enthusiasts and birders, who also visit the island to observe wild birds which nest in the area.
There will also be a dedicated viewing area located across the bay from the launch site, and designed to serve at least several hundred people. This is likely to be the best place to watch a Shetland Island rocket launch.
The spaceport has been developed on the former site of RAF SaxaVord. There is an airfield which the spaceport team hopes to bring back into use alongside the spaceport as an additional means of transport to this remote part of the UK.
Watch live-streamed launches from Shetland
If you cannot see Shetland space launches in person, they will be live-streamed around the world from the official SaxaVord Spaceport YouTube channel
With the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority, launches are set to take place at some point in late 2023.
Vertical orbital and suborbital launches will then take place on behalf of a variety of stakeholders.
Notable upcoming launches include those related to the UK Space Agency’s UK Pathfinder Project, delivered by Lockheed, and the development of Moog’s Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) for satellite deployment.
Planning a rocket launch trip to Shetland
Shetland is remote, but not inaccessible making it possible for you to travel to the SaxaVord Spaceport launch site and watch rocket launches once they commence.
However, for health and safety reasons, it is likely to become a restricted area when a live launch is taking place.
It is therefore best to watch launches from the area that SaxaVord Spaceport will prepare for spectators.
How to get to the SaxaVord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland, UK
You can get to Unst, Shetland by flight and ferry.
Here is how to get to the SaxaVord Spaceport from the mainland UK:
- Book flights into Shetland’s Sumburgh Airport (LSI): from Aberdeen, Glasgow, or Edinburgh Airport. The total flight time is no more than one and a half hours.
- Travel by ferry from Lerwick to Unst: there are regular ferries that complete the 2-hour, 2-ferry journey with spectacular coastline views.
- There is a daily, but limited bus service that runs on the island. Right now, you may have to hike or take a taxi to SaxaVord Spaceport in the Lamba Ness peninsula. Unst is only 11 miles long.
Staying In the Shetland Islands
Accommodation on the remote island of Unst is currently limited.
There are only nineteen full-time residents on the island. However, you can stay on any one of the Shetland islands and jump on the ferry to Unst as it passes each island.
Here are some great options.
Rounding Up
Travel to Unst in Shetland is an amazing adventure and with rocket launches taking place, there has never been a better reason to brave the elements and head up there.
The countdown to launches at the SaxaVord Spaceport has begun, so look forward to the first launches from late 2023, onwards.
Remember, Unst is extremely remote, so ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance for your journey.
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