THE “launch window” for rocket test flights in Shetland has been confirmed by a spaceport on the island.
SaxaVord Spaceport announced that launch attempts could be made during a five-week period starting this August, but added that it depended on the conditions.
It comes after the spaceport agreed to the window with international, national and local authorities and regulators.
Bosses at SaxaVord Spaceport confirmed that restrictions would not be in place for the full five weeks and that residents would be warned of any possible launch 24 hours in advance.
They added that the launch window was designed to minimise disruption to everyday life in Unst and that they are committed to “being a good neighbour”.
An exclusion zone would be in place for four hours and would include the spaceport and an area of sea to the north of Unst.
A larger “warning zone” which would stretch to Norway's Jan Mayen islands in the Arctic Ocean would also be in place, along with flights being re-routed.
“All maritime and airspace users will be notified of these zones by the relevant authorities,” a spokesperson for SaxaVord Spaceport said.
Scott Hammond, chief executive of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “A five-week launch window does not mean restrictions will be in place for five weeks.
“Restrictions will only be introduced if a launch attempt is scheduled, and we'll provide at least 24 hours' notice.”
Potential launch attempts during the window would only take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 8pm.
A number of companies are reportedly hoping to use SaxaVord spaceport in the northernmost point in the UK, Unst, as a launch site for small commercial rockets.
German firm Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is expected to be the first to carry out tests this year.
SaxaVord has previously confirmed that local residents will have first call on viewing spaces for test flights and launches at a designated viewing area.
