Frank Strang, the influential entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in establishing the first licensed spaceport for vertical launches in Western Europe, has passed away at the age of 67 after a battle with oesophageal cancer. Strang’s journey to create the Saxa Vord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands began a decade ago when he purchased a disused RAF radar station, initially without any intention of developing a spaceport.
In 2017, Strang recognized the potential of the site as the UK government sought to enhance its launch capabilities. With his trademark long hair and cowboy boots, he navigated the complexities of government regulations and private investment to advocate for the former Saxa Vord base on Unst Island. Strang, along with his small team, faced numerous challenges, including safety concerns and political hurdles, while managing the financial demands of the ambitious project.
One notable obstacle came from Historic Environment Scotland, which initially objected to the launch site due to the need to demolish a radar station designated as “a monument of national significance.” Ultimately, the organization retracted its objection, acknowledging the national importance of the spaceport. In 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority licensed Saxa Vord Spaceport, with the first launch anticipated in the coming months, featuring international clients from both civil and military sectors.
Strang’s vision for the spaceport will not be realized in his lifetime, as he received his cancer diagnosis just two months before his death. The Saxa Vord RAF base had closed in 2006, and shortly thereafter, Strang and his former wife, Debbie Hope, acquired the site, which included 23 houses. They transformed it into an eco-tourism centre, providing accommodation, dining options, and even establishing the UK’s most northerly gin distillery in 2014.
The idea for a vertical launch site gained momentum when the UK government commissioned the Sceptre report, which highlighted the Shetland Isles as having the best orbital access, despite logistical challenges due to its remote location. In 2017, Strang, along with former RAF fighter pilot Scott Hammond, founded the Shetland Space Centre, which later became known as Saxa Vord Spaceport in 2021. Strang’s efforts faced competition from a site on the Sutherland mainland, which the Scottish government backed with funding.
Anders Holch Povlsen, a Danish businessman with significant interests in Scotland, initially opposed the Sutherland option but eventually lent his support to Strang and Saxa Vord. Povlsen remarked, “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.” His unwavering belief in Strang’s capabilities was crucial in navigating the project through its various stages.
Scott Hammond, who has succeeded Strang as chief executive, expressed commitment to making the UK a leader in vertical launch spaceflight. He stated, “That will be Frank’s legacy for Shetland, for Scotland, and the UK.”
Born on August 3, 1958, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Frank Strang spent his early years there. His father, Tom, was a physical education teacher, while his mother, Barbara, also an educator, passed away when Frank was just 13 years old. He completed his schooling at Dingwall Academy in Ross-shire, Scotland, and later graduated in physical education from Jordanhill College of Education in Glasgow.
Strang began his career in the Royal Air Force, where he served as a physical education officer and focused on community relations. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1994 for his charitable fundraising efforts. After departing from the RAF due to a parachuting injury, Strang ventured into business, initially promoting winter sports in New England before recognizing opportunities in the UK.
The purchase of Saxa Vord became a defining moment in Strang’s career. Maggie Sandison, Chief Executive of the Shetland Islands Council, noted Strang’s dedication to community engagement, highlighting his commitment to education through the spaceport initiative, which provided opportunities for local children to engage with space-related activities.
Strang recently married Dani Morey, who survives him, along with the children from his first marriage, Tom and Emily. His contributions to the space industry and the community will be remembered as a testament to his visionary spirit and entrepreneurial determination. Frank Strang’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations as Saxa Vord Spaceport moves closer to becoming a reality.
