Saxavord Spaceport partners with West of Scotland Space Cluster

Image courtesy SaxaVord Spaceport

The partnership between SaxaVord, which provides the critical infrastructure for the UK’s end-to-end space capability, and the West of Scotland Space Cluster, a key regional globally in the development of small satellite systems, payload manufacture, launch vehicles and data services, will foster collaboration, promote joint R&D initiatives, contribute to the economic development of the region and support outreach educational programmes.

The spaceport, at the forefront of Europe’s launch sector, is preparing for first test-flights with German launch provider Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA).

Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, emphasised the transformative potential of the collaboration: “As the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, SaxaVord positions the UK at the forefront of European spaceflight, enhancing the nation’s ability to deploy satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

“We are delighted to partner with the West of Scotland Space Cluster in realising the benefits of space exploration for the UK and for Scotland’s economy, as well as establishing Scotland within Europe’s northern hub supporting vertical launch and ground station activity.

“Working together and harnessing each other’s strengths, this collaboration aims to create jobs, develop understanding, accelerate Scotland’s space economy and enhance the UK’s position in the global space sector.”

Darran Gardner, Manager of the West of Scotland Space Cluster, said: “It is recognised that the growth and success of space companies in the West of Scotland Space Cluster will be critical in helping Scotland achieve its ambition of growing its share of the global space market.

“In a competitive market for launch, satellite, payload and data services, Scotland’s key players need to collaborate and coordinate activities to maximise the sector’s potential over the next decade. Glasgow City Region has ambitious plans to be at the heart of the efforts required to make this a reality.”

Craig Clark, co-chair of the cluster, added: “With SaxaVord Spaceport now operating as the first fully-licensed vertical launch spaceport in Europe, the West of Scotland region has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of the country’s end-to-end capability, as well as leveraging that capability to help attract international companies to set up operations here, as we saw in 2024 with the South African CubeSat imaging company, Simera Sense.”