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Launch site · Shetland, UK

SaxaVord Spaceport

The UK's vertical launch site on Unst, where Rocket Factory Augsburg is preparing RFA ONE's first flight.

Operators Rocket Factory Augsburg · HyImpulse · Skyrora · Orbex

Global launch calendar, November 2026 Open map

Upcoming launches

Times: local launch-site time. Launch dates move often; NET means no earlier than.

  • NET
    2026
    Maiden Flight - RFA One - Rocket Factory Augsburg TBD
    time to be confirmed · Launch Pad Fredo
    Date changed 9 times — latest: “Reverted back to NET 2026 due to launch vehicle testing delays.”
  • NET
    Q2
    2027
    SR75 Flight 2 - HyImpulse TBD
    time to be confirmed
    Date changed 1 time — latest: “NET Spring 2027.”
  • NET
    2027
    Maiden flight - Skyrora XL - Skyrora TBD
    time to be confirmed · Launch Pad Fredo
    Date changed 2 times — latest: “NET early 2027 (as of August 2025).”
  • NET
    2027
    Demo Flight - SL1 - HyImpulse TBD
    time to be confirmed
  • Dec
    31
    Mon
    Maiden Flight - Orbex Prime - Orbex TBD
    time to be confirmed
    Date changed 3 times — latest: “NET 2026.”

Where to watch a launch

  • Passes are limited and give access to one authorised viewing area, a condition of the CAA licence; Unst residents are offered them first, then other Shetlanders. saxavord.com
  • The spaceport advises people from outside Shetland to watch the livestream rather than travel; every test flight and launch is streamed. shetnews.co.uk
  • The viewing area is above Norwick, reached by prior arrangement and a park-and-ride shuttle; registration at saxavord.com/how-to-view-test-flights/. shetland.gov.uk
  • For the August–September 2026 window, roads to Lamba Ness, Norwick, Clibberswick, Valsgarth and Saxavord closed on launch days, lifting after the launch or by midnight; a new order is needed for later attempts. shetland.gov.uk
  • Vessels must leave a maritime exclusion zone north of Unst, and air traffic is rerouted. saxavord.com

Getting there

  • The Bluemull Sound ferry from Yell to Unst takes about 10 minutes; ferry bookings on 01595 745804. shetland.gov.uk

On the day

  • At least 24 hours' notice is given before a launch, and windows last several weeks; the council announces each attempt at 14:00 the day before. shetland.gov.uk
  • The August 2026 attempt was put on hold and the rocket de-stacked for an investigation. advanced-television.com

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