Earlier this week, Astra announced plans to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the United Kingdom. Pending regulatory approvals, Astra hopes to begin launching from the facility by 2023.
According to Astra, SaxaVord will expand the company’s capacity at key inclinations and accelerate access to space for customers launching in the UK.
One of the key aspects of the Astra launch system is its ability to be bundled into mobile shipping containers and transported anywhere in the world. Once at its location, the system requires very little infrastructure besides a simple concrete launchpad.
Construction status: SaxaVord construction is being planned in the northernmost region of the Shetland Islands. The facility received long-awaited planning permission earlier this year, and a formal Spaceport and Range License application was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority in March. It is currently unclear when construction will officially commence.
