ITPEnergised is pleased to have delivered the Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) Report for SaxaVord UK Spaceport, a vertical launch spaceport to be used to launch small satellites into either polar or sun-synchronous, low-earth orbits from the island of Unst, Shetland.
The report was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (the regulator) in July 2022 as part of a wider Spaceport Operator Licence application. Focusing on the operational effects of the proposed spaceport, the document is the culmination of over three years of detailed environmental assessment.
The potential for significant environmental effects has been thoroughly assessed and the report finds that, after mitigation, there are no significant operational effects of concern from the Proposed Project.
The Spaceport Operator Licence, when issued, will cover the operation of three launch pads and associated infrastructure incorporating a satellite tracking facility, hangarage and satellite integration facilities. An environmental budget of up to 30 launches per year from the Lamba Ness peninsula has been applied for, noting the Operator’s commitment to a no-launch window whereby no satellite launches or static tests will be carried out between mid-May and the end of June (subject to ongoing monitoring and appraisal) in order to protect nesting birds and their young.
The launch facility will create around 140 jobs on Unst and inject at least £4.9m per annum into the island’s economy. It will provide a further 70 jobs throughout Shetland, adding a further £2.9m in gross value per annum to the economy.
Scott Hammond, Deputy CEO SaxaVord UK Spaceport, commented:
“As the nominated site for the UK Pathfinder Launch, part of LaunchUK, Shetland is front and centre in this new space sector for the UK. Sovereign launch is expected to help the UK win 10% of the global space market, creating well paid jobs throughout the UK. We also hope that it will encourage young people to choose this exciting industry as a career. We at Shetland Space Centre are determined to bring this to a reality with our first orbital launch scheduled for 2022.”
“We believe our proposals will help regenerate Unst by providing skilled jobs and helping with repopulation that can only benefit the social fabric, including the school, health centre and small businesses.”
“The unique nature of this development meant we were looking for people who could adapt their skills to a new environment and were not afraid of learning something new outside of their comfort zone. ITPEnergised proved to be our perfect partner, bringing their established credentials whilst remaining sensitive to the development’s peculiar needs”.
For more information on this project, please see the Shetland Space Centre website https://saxavord.com/
Once reviewed by the CAA, the Spaceport Operator Licence application documents will be available to view via the CAA citizen space website.
