Space is an exciting and innovative new sector for Shetland’s growing economy, with SaxaVord Spaceport becoming the UK’s first licensed
orbital vertical launch site. Established and emerging companies in the islands are perfectly poised to support the needs of the developing industry.

Shetland is emerging as one of Europe’s most important locations for space access and satellite services.

The islands' northerly location, decades of high-quality engineering experience, and thriving local supply chain combine to ensure that Shetland offers unrivalled advantages for launch providers, satellite operators, and investors in the growing global space economy.

At the heart of this transformation is SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst — the UK’s first fully licensed vertical orbital launch site, and one of only two such sites across Europe. As the spaceport edges ever closer to the UK's first vertical rocket launch, we consider why Shetland and Unst are ideally suited to this most high-tech of industries.

Shetland’s – and Unst's – location at the northernmost point of the UK provides a direct, unobstructed route to polar and sun‑synchronous low Earth orbits. These are the most in‑demand orbits for Earth observation, climate monitoring, and defence‑related missions.

From Lamba Ness in Unst, it is proposed that rockets will be launched northwards over open sea, avoiding populated areas and eliminating the complex manoeuvres required at many other launch sites. This reduces fuel use and increases payload capacity, giving Shetland a commercial advantage for launch operators.

This geography was precisely why an independent UK Government study identified Unst as the best location in the UK for vertical small‑satellite launch, and why the SaxaVord spaceport is edging closer to making the UK's first vertical rocket launch.

Shetland’s northerly latitude is also ideal for tracking and communicating with satellites already in orbit, supporting a growing ground‑station cluster on the islands. Rockets won't just be launched from Shetland, but the islands' space sector is expected to sustain dozens of skilled jobs monitoring information from space.

A spaceport tapping into decades of engineering experience

Shetland is no stranger to nationally significant infrastructure. For more than 50 years, the islands have supported complex operations in energy, engineering, and offshore logistics.

The islands' emerging space sector is no different, and since the work of developing a spaceport in Unst began in 2017, backed by national and international investors, the SaxaVord project has been supported by many local businesses in Unst and across the islands.

This deep skills base, combined with the unique geography and the heritage of RAF Saxa Vord’s strategic radar operations, has created a business community equipped to meet the technical demands of the space industry.

Shetland's skilled workforce and experienced supply chain have helped prepare SaxaVord Spaceport for a new era, offering:

  • Multiple launch pads (one operational, two under construction).
  • A secure integration hangar for rocket and satellite assembly.
  • A fully equipped mission management and range control centre to coordinate technical aspects.
  • A ground‑station network in Unst accessing data from satellites in space.

Together, these assets position Shetland as a complete launch ecosystem — something previously missing in the UK’s space value chain.

A catalyst for jobs, skills, and investment

The emerging space sector is already delivering jobs in Shetland, with SaxaVord employing over 80 people at its site in Unst and other bases in the islands.

That is forecast to rise significantly as launches become a reality and the frequency of launches increases. Predictions suggest the sector could lead to more than 200 jobs locally and support hundreds more across Scotland, including technicians, engineers, data specialists, hospitality and logistics roles.

Local businesses have already been involved as part of the supply chain, with several companies directly contributing to construction and operations.

SaxaVord is expected to support up to 30 launches per year by 2030, giving the UK sovereign access to space for the first time and capturing a larger share of the fast‑growing global small‑satellite market.

Its international client base already includes Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), which has secured access to Launch Pad 1.

Two further launch pads are under construction, providing opportunities for other operators, including those from the USA. The spaceport is also developing international partnerships across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The overall impact of this ambitious venture into an emerging industry is that Shetland is increasingly recognised as a strategic northern route to orbit.

Why invest in Shetland's space sector?

The global space economy is forecast to expand rapidly by 2035, and Shetland is perfectly positioned to play a defining role in the UK and Europe’s future in space.

Shetland offers investors:

  • Launch capability at a site fully licensed for orbital vertical launches.
  • Skilled, engineering-rich workforce, shaped by decades of varied industry experience.
  • A proven supply chain, experienced in supporting complex infrastructure projects.
  • Unique geographic advantages, providing unmatched access to polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

Shetland's space sector – FAQs

  • Why is Shetland considered the best place in the UK for launching satellites?

    Shetland, specifically the island of Unst, was identified in an independent UK Government report as the best location in the UK for vertical small‑satellite launches. Its northern latitude provides direct access to polar and sun‑synchronous orbits, and launch trajectories pass safely over open sea with no need for diversion.

  • What makes Shetland’s geography ideal for the global space industry?

    Unst’s position as the most northerly part of the UK allows rockets to reach polar orbits efficiently. This is essential when launching satellites for Earth observation, climate monitoring and communications. The location also enables excellent satellite tracking and communication due to frequent overhead satellite passes.

  • What is SaxaVord Spaceport, and why is it important?

    SaxaVord Spaceport is a privately-funded launch facility at Lamba Ness, Unst, and home to the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch site. It has been backed by the UK Government, and the site aims to support a full ecosystem of launch pads, tracking facilities, integration hangars and a control centre. Once fully operational, it is expected to bring major economic and technological benefits to Shetland, Scotland, and the wider UK.

  • How many jobs will the space sector create in Shetland?

    Shetland's space industry is projected to create between 140-200 jobs in Unst, with dozens more across the islands.

  • What skills and industries in Shetland support space activity?

    Shetland has more than 50 years of experience supporting the oil and gas industry, giving local firms deep expertise in engineering, fabrication, logistics and operational safety, as well as understanding how to operate in Shetland's occasionally challenging conditions. This well‑developed supply chain is already supporting the space sector and is well-suited to its technical requirements.

  • What steps are taken to protect the local environment and cultural heritage?

    SaxaVord’s development has been supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAR) to protect local wildlife, peatland, and cultural heritage. Plans include improved access roads and even a wildlife viewing hide at Lamba Ness to enhance public engagement.

  • What infrastructure is being built to support launch operations?

    The spaceport includes:

    • Three planned launch pads
    • Integration and satellite tracking facilities
    • A range control centre at the former RAF Saxa Vord
    • Enhanced access roads and local infrastructure improvements

  • How could Shetland’s space sector boost the wider Scottish and UK space economy?

    Regular launches from Shetland would reduce reliance on overseas spaceports, potentially attracting global satellite companies to use the site. This supports the UK Government’s goal to expand national launch capacity and strengthens Scotland as a leading space hub.

  • Is the space industry part of Shetland’s long‑term economic strategy?

    Yes. Space is highlighted as one of several priority growth sectors within Shetland’s economic planning. Local authorities and development partners emphasise space as a key future driver of jobs, population growth and investment, fitting alongside major renewable energy and digital infrastructure projects.

  • Will Shetland businesses benefit from space development?

    Efforts are being made to prioritise local supply chain involvement, with Shetland-based firms used where possible. Local engineering and construction companies played crucial roles in getting the site to a stage where it is approaching launch-ready.

  • What future opportunities will the space sector unlock in Shetland?

    It is hard to say definitively, but the ongoing development should help strengthen Shetland's position as a high-skilled, high-value engineering hub. Future opportunities may include advanced satellite services, data analytics, and integration with offshore renewable energy innovation. If the UK's space economy grows as anticipated, Shetland hopes to play a key role in that development.

Invest

The small satellite industry is growing in the UK and Scotland, in particular, is leading the way. Shetland is setting out its stall to be a major player in the sector and will welcome approaches from companies associated with all parts of the space ecosystem, including satellite manufacturing, telecoms, launch platform design, cyber security, ground station operation and design, and data analytics.

Now is the time to invest in this exciting sector as it takes off in the North Isles and establishes Shetland in the global space economy. For more information, visit the SaxaVord Space Port website.

What next?

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