Tributes have poured in following the death of Frank Strang MBE, co-founder of SaxaVord Spaceport, who passed away at the age of 67 just months before the site’s first anticipated rocket launch.
Mr Strang died shortly after receiving a cancer diagnosis, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a driving force behind the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport on the isle of Unst, Shetland.
Together with Scott Hammond and Debbie Strang, Frank transformed the former RAF radar station at Lamba Ness into a pioneering commercial launch site.
Since 2017, his relentless determination and vision have been instrumental in assembling a dedicated team and securing significant investment, turning the dream of a spaceport in the remote Scottish isles into reality.
Colleagues hailed Mr Strang’s “unorthodox style, legendary drive and determination” in overcoming barriers that might have deterred others. The SaxaVord team credited his leadership in achieving crucial milestones including the construction of launch infrastructure and the installation of advanced tracking and telemetry systems.
Scott Hammond, who is expected to take over as CEO, described Strang as “a real force of nature” whose refusal to “take no for an answer” inspired investors, government officials, and the local community to support the spaceport initiative.
“Our mission is not complete,” Hammond said, vowing to deliver a successful first launch and to establish the UK as Europe’s leader in vertical launch spaceflight in Strang’s memory.
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SaxaVord Spaceport is currently preparing for its inaugural rocket launch, which is anticipated to take place later this year or early next.
The team remains determined to honour Frank Strang’s vision and contribute to the future of Scotland and the UK as major players in the European space industry.
