For many years, Unst has been renowned for its diverse range of animals, untouched beaches, and untouched views of the sea. Currently, the isolated island of Shetland is taking the lead in propelling Britain towards space exploration.
The United Kingdom’s first licensed spaceport for vertical rocket launches is located on a remote peninsula of the island, which was formerly a RAF base. This launch site has the capability to send up to 30 satellites and other payloads into polar, sun-synchronous orbits – highly sought after by satellite operators for communication and Earth observation purposes.
In a 2017 report, SaxaVord spaceport was recognized as an ideal location for launching rockets with the highest payloads, minimizing risk to ground personnel in the event of a spacecraft failure and reentry.
The northernmost point of the British Isles is home to an island with a population of approximately 650 people. This island was one of the initial Viking settlements in the North Atlantic. Its strategic location allows for rockets to be launched without passing over populated regions, unlike other launch sites that require complex maneuvers and have weight restrictions on their payloads.
The CAA has authorized the launch of the first rockets from Unst in the coming year. Elizabeth Johnson, the project manager for the spaceport, stated to the BBC that this is a crucial development for the islands. She emphasized the importance of economic and social activity to maintain the island’s sustainability.
Unst has faced challenges as a result of the shutdown of the RAF base and airport, as well as the discontinuation of various services such as schools, medical facilities, and care centers.
In 2017, Pat Burns, the proprietor of Final Checkout cafe, expressed to the Guardian that the location is incredibly breathtaking. They stated that the island in Shetland is not only the most northern, but also the most picturesque.
However, many of the youth pursue higher education and once they leave for the mainland, there is no incentive for them to return. This could result in a loss of potential job opportunities.
The construction of the spaceport, which consists of three launch pads and a hangar for rocket assembly, has incurred a cost of approximately £30m to date. Additionally, there are proposals to construct a hotel and visitor center at SaxaVord.
The granting of a licence to SaxaVord by Tim Johnson, the director of space regulation at the CAA, is a significant moment for the UK space industry. It marks the start of a new phase for the UK’s presence in space.
Source: theguardian.com
