Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Fredo the Unstronaut launched

Space

Fredo the Unstronaut launched

SaxaVord Spaceport has officially launched 'Fredo the Unstronaut' today, an animated character-driven educational initiative designed to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts.


Image courtesy SaxaVord

The project includes an engaging website and a series of fun, informative videos aimed at children, parents and educators.

Fredo, a young and energetic aspiring 'Unstronaut' – named after SaxaVord’s location in Unst, Shetland – is on a mission to explore space, science and sustainability while learning about the exciting work happening at the spaceport.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

His adventures, filled with space facts, activities and interactive content, aim to ignite curiosity and make space more accessible to children everywhere.

The Fredo Mission Centre website serves as the hub for Fredo’s adventures, featuring multiple zones tailored to different audiences:

  • Kids Zone – Home to Fredo’s SaxaVord Adventures, activities like word searches and quizzes, the Fredo Fact File where kids can learn more about their favourite Unstronaut and Fredo’s Wall of Fame where kids can send in their own space adventures to be featured on the site.
  • Parent and Teacher Zone – A resource hub with educational materials, lesson plans and access to the SaxaVoice newsletter.
  • Fredo News – The latest updates, articles and videos from SaxaVord as well as an opportunity to Ask an Unstronaut any question about space, SaxaVord and Shetland and be featured in this video series.
  • What is SaxaVord Spaceport? – Information about the spaceport, the role of satellites and how the UK is leading in space innovation.
Advertisement
ODU RT

Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord, said: “In advance of our more conventional test-flight launch day later in the year and the first orbital mission from UK soil from SaxaVord, today marks the official launch of my friend, the Unstronaut, 'Fredo's SaxaVord Adventures' missions, where Fredo as the face and voice of SaxaVord is tasked with inspiring our future work force and showcasing the many diverse and exciting opportunities that the space economy offers young boys and girls throughout the world.  

“Fredo is a loveable character whose infectious enthusiasm has already captured the hearts of everyone who has met him and I have no doubt that his missions will land safely and be a huge success … and a lot of fun.”

The launch of Fredo the Unstronaut aligns with SaxaVord’s commitment to using 'Space for Good', highlighting how space technology can benefit society and the environment.

FredoMissionCentre.com is live from today.

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Airbus demonstrator to test global 5G connectivity in orbit

Space

Airbus demonstrator to test global 5G connectivity in orbit

14 January 2026

Airbus UpNext has launched a new demonstrator called Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN (Space Radio Access Network) - aimed at enabling standardised global connectivity by exploring advanced 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities - working with consortium partners including Southampton based AccelerComm.

ODU Connectors showcasing AMC solutions at SDSC-UK

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

ODU Connectors showcasing AMC solutions at SDSC-UK

13 January 2026

ODU Connectors will be displaying all of their current AMC (Advanced Military Connectors) at the Specialist Defence and Security Convention-UK (SDSC-UK), taking place 3rd-5th February at the NEC Birmingham, which will include a couple of new items aimed specifically at rugged, embedded systems in the military and aerospace market.

ESA and ClearSpace initiate PRELUDE

Space

ESA and ClearSpace initiate PRELUDE

13 January 2026

The European Space Agency (ESA) and ClearSpace have initiated the PRELUDE mission which marks a transformative milestone for European space operations, serving as a pivotal step in validating critical technologies for in-orbit life extension and active debris removal (ADR).

NI SPACE launches Space Ready Programme

Space

NI SPACE launches Space Ready Programme

12 January 2026

NI SPACE is spearheading efforts to position Northern Ireland companies at the forefront of the UK's burgeoning space sector, through the launch and delivery of the NI Space Ready Programme.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Airbus awarded Eutelsat contract for 340 OneWeb LEO satellites

Space

Airbus awarded Eutelsat contract for 340 OneWeb LEO satellites

12 January 2026

Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a contract by Eutelsat to build a further 340 OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

SSTL and Oxford Space Systems confirm launch of CarbSAR IOD Satellite

Space

SSTL and Oxford Space Systems confirm launch of CarbSAR IOD Satellite

12 January 2026

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and Oxford Space Systems (OSS) have announced the launch of CarbSAR IOD, SSTL’s latest Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology demonstration satellite incorporating Oxford Space Systems’ Wrapped Rib Antenna, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket operated by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB