UK government invests £30m in Shetland spaceport

Two German companies have signed launch agreements with the spaceport.

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is working towards its first vertical orbital test flight from UK soil. In August, SaxaVord paused plans for a test launch after RFA said it had “encountered an issue”.

A five-week “launch window” had been due to begin, with temporary traffic restrictions introduced in the event of a flight attempt.

A second company, HyImpulse Technologies GmbH (HyImpulse), plans the second flight of its SR75 suborbital launch vehicle from Shetland this year.

The German firm recently secured investment of more than €50m (£43m).

Derek Harris, head of programmes at Space Scotland, said he was not concerned about the timescale of the launch, adding that the £30m investment was a “good starter”.

“The technology is difficult to master but you would prefer it to be there and be reliable so if the timescale slips into next year, I do not see that as a failure,” he told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast.

“I see that as a very well-maintained programme to make sure health and safety and reliability are at the forefront.”

Harris said rain and storms could also impact the process and it was important to remain open minded.

He added: “It will take time and a lot of money but once it launches, the benefits it unlocks for Scotland and the UK will be amazing.”