Closer to lift-off as space hub takes lease on Scottish islands airfield
● Hopes dormant site could become basis for a ‘space industry hub’
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The company spearheading plans to create the UK’S most northerly spaceport complex has taken a major step forward towards realising its ambitions after acquiring a disused military airfield.
Shetland Space Centre (SSC), whichhopestobuildandoperate a satellite launch site and ground station in Unst, has announced it intends to exercise its option to lease the Ordale airfield site in Baltasound.
The airstrip was built by the Royal Engineers in 1968. As well as serving the military, it was used for Loganair’s scheduled inter-island services, helicopter traffic, as well as the North Sea oil and gas industry.
But after offshore operations were transferred elsewhere, the site quickly fell out of use.
Now SSC has expressed optimism the dormant site can form the basis for a new “space industry hub” on Unst and attract significant inward investment.
It is envisaged the airfield, which is a little over three miles from the proposed launch site at Lamba Ness, will be used firstly for fuel and equipment storage, as well as housing small business incubators supporting spaceflight activity on the island.
The airfield was used in July
SSC hopes to build and operate a satellite launch site and ground station in Unst
last year for the successful test launch of a balloon by B2space in conjunction with SSC.
SSC plan to refurbish the airfield lighting system and hangar in order that clients may use the 640m-long runway to fly in and out as required.
Frank Strang, the chief executive of SSC, said: “Without doubt having an airfield with associated infrastructure close to the launch site is a huge benefit to the embryonic Shetland space industry, and is another reason along with its location why Shetland is
seen as the optimal place for vertical launch activity in the UK.
“The airfield will not be as busy as it was in the early 1990s, but this will be the first step towards bringing in limited commercial traffic.”
SSC is working with Shetland Islands Council.
It formally unveiled its proposals earlier this month, with a full planning submission is expected to be made later this summer.
“Without doubt having an airfield with associated infrastructure close to the launch site is a huge benefit ...”
FRANK STRANG