Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • SaxaVord strengthens ops with new appointments

Space

SaxaVord strengthens ops with new appointments

SaxaVord Spaceport has bolstered its growing team with two new senior appointments in operations as it prepares for first launch, with Ian Palmer joining as Director of Operations and Nadine Armiger-Drake as Spaceport Operations Manager.

Above: Nadine and Ian being welcomed on site by CEO Scott Hammond (centre).
Courtesy SaxaVord 

 
Both bring a wealth of skills, expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable to the company as it transitions from developmental to operational phase.
 
Ian began his career in the RAF as a weapons technician and among other roles served as a lead engineer officer on 14 Squadron Tornados, leaving after 23 years to join GE as senior business operations manager.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
He then moved into the whisky industry with William Grant & Sons and Whyte & Mackay before joining LevertonHELM as director of engineering and operations in the UK.
 
Nadine was the programme lead for secure infrastructure projects (counter-terrorism/counter-espionage) for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offices Services Agency, most recently leading complex and award-winning RAF secure infrastructure projects in challenging environments globally.
 
Her first project for projects in remote and challenging locations for the RAF was the re-installation of the radar at RRH Saxa Vord in 2017-18. Prior to that she lived and worked in Japan, Syria and Belgium.
Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

 
Ian said: “I am absolutely delighted to have joined the team at SaxaVord Spaceport, and look forward to leading the operations team as we prepare for the first launch and beyond.”
 
Nadine said: “It’s great to be back at Saxa Vord in such an exciting role, preparing for what will be a historic first European vertical rocket launch. I’m thrilled for what this will mean for the UK, and for the STEM opportunities it could bring for our next generation of space pioneers.”
 
Saxa CEO Scott Hammond added: “We are all pleased to welcome Ian and Nadine to the team – I am sure with their skills and experience they will make enormous contributions as we move into the operational phase of the business.”

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Airbus-built Sentinel-6B climate satellite launched

Space

Airbus-built Sentinel-6B climate satellite launched

17 November 2025

The Airbus-built Sentinel-6B satellite has successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

KT-UK and RADX partner on solutions for UK and Europe

Aerospace Defence Security Space

KT-UK and RADX partner on solutions for UK and Europe

17 November 2025

Konrad-Technologies UK Ltd (KT-UK) and RADX Technologies, Inc. (RADX) have entered a new partnership under which KT-UK will integrate solutions across the UK and EU.

New satellite to monitor sea-level rise from space

Space

New satellite to monitor sea-level rise from space

17 November 2025

Preparations are underway in California for the launch of the Sentinel-6B satellite, which will monitor global sea levels from space, with a UK propulsion system on board

Bright Ascension to reveal Helix Groundkit at Space Tech Expo Europe

Space Events

Bright Ascension to reveal Helix Groundkit at Space Tech Expo Europe

14 November 2025

Provider of modular space software solutions, Bright Ascension, will officially launch its modular and reusable ground software development product, Helix Groundkit, at Space Tech Expo Europe 2025 in Bremen (18th–20th November), showing the new software in action.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
Space-Comm Expo Scotland countdown begins

Space Events

Space-Comm Expo Scotland countdown begins

12 November 2025

The countdown is on for the biggest ever space industry event to be held in Scotland, now just three weeks away.

BIAS 2026 to focus on AAM, sustainability and innovation

Aerospace Defence Space Events

BIAS 2026 to focus on AAM, sustainability and innovation

11 November 2025

The biennial Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) - taking place next year, 18th-20th November 2026 - is to feature a dedicated focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), consider efforts to build a more sustainable aviation infrastructure and explore defence and space business innovation.

Advertisement
ODU RT