Unst To Orbit

Shetland's spaceport is set to take Europe by storm, launching rockets to the stratosphere

- RACHEL MCCONACHIE

ON a windswept May day, western Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport officially opened its gates. The spectacular site at Lamba Ness, on the tiny island of Unst, is more than just a launchpad - it's a bold leap into space exploration and technology, bringing the thrill of the cosmos to Shetland.

The grand opening was hosted by SaxaVord's very own US-based astronaut teacher, Mike Mongo. Space-obsessed pupils Grace Wood (10) and Harry Brazier (7) cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Spokesman Paul Riddell said, "The site has caused some minor disruption from the roadworks. However, it is part of our mission to liaise closely with the community to minimise disruption."

With the opening of SaxaVord, the UK stands on the brink of dominating the European market for space launches.

And despite the dramatic explosion of a rocket at the site earlier this year, spaceport bosses say the incident won't set them back and there was no damage to the launchpad.

With planning permission for up to 30 rocket launches per year, the spaceport has really put Unst on the map.