Entrepreneur Frank Strang, Pioneer of UK Spaceport, Dies at 67

Frank Strang, a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind the Saxa Vord Spaceport, passed away at the age of 67 due to oesophageal cancer. Strang’s journey began a decade ago when he acquired a disused RAF radar station on the Shetland Islands, which he later transformed into the first licensed spaceport for vertical launches in western Europe. His efforts culminated in the licensing of the spaceport by the Civil Aviation Authority in 2023, with the inaugural launch scheduled for the coming months.

Strang’s strategic acquisition of the former radar station on Unst Island set the stage for his ambitious plans. Initially, he had no intent of developing a spaceport, but by 2017, he recognized the potential of his asset as the UK government sought to enhance its launch capabilities. With a distinctive style characterized by his long hair and cowboy boots, Strang navigated complex governmental and regulatory landscapes to advocate for the Saxa Vord site, overcoming numerous obstacles, including safety and planning challenges.

One significant hurdle arose from Historic Environment Scotland, which raised concerns over the demolition of a radar station deemed “a monument of national significance.” Ultimately, the agency withdrew its objection, acknowledging the strategic importance of the spaceport project.

The Saxa Vord Spaceport has attracted interest from both civil and military sectors, with international clients already on board. It is a poignant turn of fate that Strang, who received his cancer diagnosis just two months prior to his death, will not witness the fruition of his hard work.

A Visionary with a Diverse Background

Born on August 3, 1958, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Strang spent his formative years in the Scottish Highlands. He completed his education at Dingwall Academy and graduated in physical education from Jordanhill College of Education in Glasgow. After a brief teaching career, he joined the Royal Air Force as a physical education officer and was later awarded the MBE for his charitable work.

Following his departure from the RAF in 1994 due to a parachuting injury, Strang ventured into business. His initial projects included promoting New England as a winter sports destination and redeveloping a former military airport near Boston. These experiences led him to explore similar opportunities in the UK, ultimately guiding him to purchase the Saxa Vord site with his then-wife, Debbie Hope, in 2006.

Under Strang’s leadership, the site evolved into an eco-tourism centre, complete with accommodation and dining facilities. They also ventured into catering for the oil industry, providing services to around 2,000 workers at the Sullom Voe terminal, and opened the UK’s most northerly gin distillery in 2014.

Building the Future of Space Travel

The pivotal moment for Strang’s space ambitions came when the UK government commissioned the Sceptre report, which identified the Shetland Islands as having the best orbital access for a vertical launch site. Despite the logistical challenges posed by its remote location, the report underscored the potential of the site.

In 2017, Strang partnered with former RAF fighter pilot Scott Hammond to establish the Shetland Space Centre, which was later renamed Saxa Vord Spaceport in 2021. The project faced competition from the Scottish government, which initially supported a different site on the Sutherland mainland. However, the backing of Danish businessman Anders Holch Povlsen, who shifted his support to Saxa Vord, proved instrumental in securing investment for the project.

Povlsen expressed his admiration for Strang, stating, “Against the odds, and with many headwinds, even a few unfair ones, he built the solid foundations of what will likely become Europe’s largest commercial spaceport.”

Following Strang’s passing, Hammond, who has taken over as chief executive, reaffirmed the team’s commitment to positioning the UK as a leader in vertical launch spaceflight. “That will be Frank’s legacy for Shetland, for Scotland, and the UK,” he declared.

Strang’s commitment to community engagement was evident throughout the project’s development. Maggie Sandison, chief executive of the Shetland Islands Council, highlighted his dedication to creating educational opportunities for local children to engage with space exploration.

Strang is survived by his wife, Dani Morey, and his children from his first marriage, Tom and Emily. His contributions to both the aerospace sector and his local community will be remembered as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and vision for the future.