Unveiling Spaceport 1: An Unfamiliar Rocket Launch Site
Scotland’s space ambitions have been making headlines lately, with much attention focused on the launch sites at Sutherland and Saxa Vord. However, there is another site that has been quietly making progress in creating a vertical launch site – Spaceport 1 in North Uist, Scotland.
Located on the island of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Spaceport 1 is a project driven by the local council. Despite facing over 1,000 objections, the project was granted planning permission in December 2023. Surprisingly, it received very little opposition from local environmental groups, even though it is situated near breeding grounds used by rare bird species.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) initially had concerns about the project due to its proximity to the breeding grounds. However, they were satisfied when the project leaders announced measures to minimize any impact on the birds’ breeding activities. With all necessary permissions in place, Spaceport 1 seems to be moving forward without many barriers.
In order to ensure safety during rocket launches, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the local council, is currently working on establishing exclusion zones around North Uist. These zones will include airspace, as well as sea and land areas that could be affected by the blast. QinetiQ, a leading defense technology company, has been selected to manage this process.
The council is welcoming input regarding the aviation exclusion zone until May 24th, and the relevant information can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority’s website. This shows that there is a commitment to transparency and involving stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Spaceport 1 has the potential to become a significant part of the UK launch network. While it may not have received as much attention as other sites, its progress and commitment to addressing environmental concerns demonstrate its dedication to responsible space exploration.
As Scotland’s space ambitions continue to grow, Spaceport 1 is an exciting addition to the country’s space sector. With its unique location in the Outer Hebrides, it offers a picturesque backdrop for rocket launches. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Spaceport 1 contributes to the future of space exploration in the UK.
