SpaceX Rocket Launch Successfully Takes Off From Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral, Florida Hosts SpaceX Rocket Launch

The long-awaited SpaceX rocket launch happened at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Onboard were 100 small satellites, including the Gossamer Piccolomini. The satellite was the result of a partnership between Lunasonde, a US aerospace firm, and Saxavord UK Spaceport.

The Shetland Spaceport will provide support for the Gossamer Piccolomini with mission updates and crucial data downlinks. The SpaceX rocket launch is the latest venture by the Elon Musk Space program. 

Shetlands Spaceport Upcoming Projects

The Shetland spaceport is working with the US aerospace company Lockheed Martin for a possible 2022 take-off. They will have to await planning permission first.

The Lunsonde contract was just the beginning of what we see 2022 looking like.

Jacques Meheut, the SaxaVord Spaceport ground station manager.

Unst to Play a Central Role in UK’s Satellite Projects

The UK government is supporting a number of aerospace projects. This includes the launch of satellites from Unst and the first commercial launch or the RS-1 rocket for ABL Space System, a US-based company. There are projections for tons of new job opportunities and benefits for the local communities. 

Within the next decade, the SaxaVord Spaceport, in partnership with Skyrora, a Scottish firm, will launch rockets from Shetland. Skyrora is set to send the XL rocket on a satellite delivery mission this year. By 2030 they hope to have up to 16 more launches. Funding comes from a £2.5 million co-funding win from the European Space Agency. They will continue to work in partnership with SaxaVord UK Spaceport.

There is a lot within the UK aerospace sector to look forward to with the partnerships and ongoing projects being a clear indication of this.