Frank Strang Steps Back from Shetland’s Spaceport Project Amid Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
SaxaVord UK Space Port: Europe’s First Fully Licensed Vertical Launch Spaceport Prepares for Upcoming Launches
The Visionary Behind SaxaVord: Frank Strang’s Legacy and the Future of Space Launches
In a remarkable tale of ambition, resilience, and community support, Frank Strang, the driving force behind the SaxaVord UK Space Port, has announced he will be stepping back from the project after receiving a terminal diagnosis of cancer. This pivotal moment in Strang’s life comes just as his ambitious dream of launching rockets from the Shetland Islands is set to take flight.
From Eco-Tourism to Space Exploration
Seventeen years ago, Strang purchased a former RAF radar station on Unst with hopes of transforming it into an eco-tourism attraction. However, as the UK’s appetite for space exploration grew, so did Strang’s vision. The UK government recognized the potential for vertical launches of small rockets, prompting Strang to pivot his plans towards establishing a fully licensed spaceport—a bold and ambitious venture.
SaxaVord: Europe’s First Licensed Vertical Launch Space Port
Today, SaxaVord UK Space Port stands as the first fully licensed vertical launch site in Europe. Strang remains committed to seeing the first rocket launch through, expected later this year, despite his personal challenges. "I feel a bit like I’ve been hit by a steam train," Strang admits, reflecting the weight of his diagnosis. Yet he remains hopeful, echoing the stories of individuals who defy medical predictions and live on far longer than expected.
Support and Legacy
Strang’s determination is bolstered by the unwavering support of his remarkable team and notable backers like Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who has played a crucial role in the project’s advancements. Povlsen’s contributions have not only provided financial stability but have also embedded a sense of community spirit within the SaxaVord project. “His team is very much part of the DNA and success of the project,” Strang stated.
The project has already secured £10 million in funding from the UK government, underscoring the significance of SaxaVord in the broader narrative of global space exploration.
The Road Ahead
As SaxaVord prepares for its inaugural launch, several companies are lining up to utilize the facility. Among them, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) from Germany stands out, having received official licensing for spaceflight and even experiencing a launch test last August, which unfortunately culminated in an explosion of a rocket engine.
Meanwhile, Orbex, a Scottish company, recently announced it would be moving its first launch to SaxaVord, a testament to the growing trust and excitement surrounding this pioneering spaceport.
A Vision for the Future
Frank Strang’s story is one of resilience and hope. As he prepares to take a step back from active leadership, he emphasizes the strength of his team and the community that supports them. His legacy, one characterized by ambition and the spirit of exploration, will surely continue to inspire as SaxaVord prepares to make history.
Through all the uncertainties that lie ahead, one thing is clear: Strang’s vision for a spaceport in Shetland is not only a testament to human ambition but also a beacon of hope for the future of space travel in Europe. As the countdown to the first launch begins, the SaxaVord project stands poised to transform both the landscape of space exploration and the life of its visionary founder.