Germany is to use Saxavord Spaceport in the UK as the launch site for a European rapid-response satellite defense capability.
German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has agreed to use Saxavord to launch intelligence monitoring and gathering satellites, as well as commercial satellites into orbit in case they are needed during a conflict.
Saxavord, which is on a peninsula on the Shetland Islands, Scotland offers a launch route into orbit thanks to its northerly position, while many European countries are space-locked, meaning they lack their own access to space.
The Spaceport is yet to launch any satellites, but plans to do so this year, with the first rocket most likely to be an RFA one. When it does so it will be the first UK site to host a vertical launch to orbit.
The rapid vertical launch deal follows the Trinity House agreement announced last October by the German and UK Governments, which is designed to deepen UK-German defence co-operation.
Vertical launch capability for Europe is seen as increasingly important as global geopolitical uncertainty mounts. Governments are recognising the importance of space-based surveillance and communications because of its important role in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord, said, “We have all our licences for orbital vertical launch already in place, and we are putting the finishing touches to infrastructure on site to support our partners – in particular RFA which has made a significant financial investment in our spaceport.
“The UK and Europe have an asset in SaxaVord that can play a huge role in maintaining the status quo and, combined with RFA, a capability that can help defend our combined interests. We at SaxaVord are ready, willing and able to support this historic partnership.”
Jörn Spurmann, co-founder and chief commercial officer at RFA said, “In a world where security challenges are evolving at an unprecedented pace, the partnership between RFA, SaxaVord, and the UK and German Governments has never been more vital.
“Together, we are establishing a sovereign, rapid-response launch capability – one that is not just ready but built to act decisively when national and regional security demands it. By combining our launch technology with SaxaVord’s strategic location, we are reinforcing the backbone of a resilient, agile European defence network in space.
“This collaboration not only strengthens UK-German ties but also fortifies allied security frameworks like NATO and the expanding Seven Eyes initiative. More than just cooperation, this is a decisive step toward securing Europe’s leadership in space defence and strategic deterrence.”
General Traut, head of German Space Command said, “For me, it has even become more important to strengthen links between our traditional European partners, especially in regard to space. What we are seeing today between German and UK companies is very encouraging. Having access to sovereign launch will be very important for our security.”
Miguel Berger Germany’s ambassador to London said, “It’s so good to see SaxaVord working so closely with German companies Rocket Factory Augsburg and Hympulse – we will very soon have the capability for rocket launch on the European continent by having micro launchers. Sovereign launch is important for our two nations and allies across Europe.”
HyImpulse is another German company gearing up to lift off from SaxaVord.
