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
ODU RT

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
FIA2026 animated banner
Aurora Avionics secures TASA rocket contract

Space

Aurora Avionics secures TASA rocket contract

2 June 2026

Scottish space technology company Aurora Avionics has secured its first customer in the Asia-Pacific region after signing an agreement with the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA).

Viasat and partners complete Iris RPAS flight trial

Aerospace Space

Viasat and partners complete Iris RPAS flight trial

27 May 2026

Viasat has collaborated with TTP and Frequentis, under the European Space Agency (ESA) Iris programme, on an Iris Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial.

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

Defence Space

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

27 May 2026

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

BOREALIS goes live six months early

Defence Space

BOREALIS goes live six months early

26 May 2026

CGI has supported the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for BOREALIS, six months ahead of schedule.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB