Frank Strang, a prominent entrepreneur and visionary behind the Saxa Vord Spaceport, passed away on August 13, 2025, at the age of 67 after battling oesophageal cancer. Strang’s remarkable journey led him to establish the first licensed spaceport for vertical launches in western Europe, a project that transformed a disused RAF radar station in the Shetland Islands into a hub for space exploration.
Strang acquired the former RAF radar station on Unst, the northernmost point of the Shetland Islands, a decade ago without any intention of creating a spaceport. By 2017, he recognized the potential of this asset as the UK government sought to bolster its launch capabilities. With his long hair and distinctive cowboy boots, Strang navigated the complex landscape of government, regulations, and private investment to gain support for what would become the Saxa Vord Spaceport.
Overcoming numerous hurdles, including safety and planning challenges, Strang and his small team faced a significant obstacle when Historic Environment Scotland raised concerns about the demolition of a radar station deemed a “monument of national significance.” Ultimately, the organization withdrew its objection, acknowledging the importance of the spaceport to national interests. The Civil Aviation Authority officially licensed Saxa Vord Spaceport in 2023, with the inaugural launch scheduled for the coming months. The site has attracted international clients from both civil and military sectors.
Reflecting on Strang’s contributions, Scott Hammond, who succeeded him as chief executive, stated, “We are determined to make the UK Europe’s leader in vertical launch spaceflight. That will be Frank’s legacy for Shetland, for Scotland, and the UK.” Strang’s vision and determination not only paved the way for the spaceport but also inspired a new generation to engage with space exploration.
Frank Strang’s journey into entrepreneurship began after his time in the Royal Air Force, where he served as a physical education officer. He was appointed an MBE in 1994 for his charitable fundraising efforts and later became the coach for the Scottish freestyle ski team. Following an injury during a parachuting accident, Strang shifted his focus to business, exploring opportunities in winter sports tourism and property development.
The turning point for Strang came when the UK government commissioned the Sceptre report, which identified the Shetland Islands as having optimal conditions for a vertical launch site despite logistical challenges. In collaboration with former RAF fighter pilot Scott Hammond, Strang founded the Shetland Space Centre in 2017, which was later renamed Saxa Vord Spaceport in 2021.
The project faced competition from the Scottish government’s strong support for a launch site on the Sutherland mainland, owned by Danish businessman Anders Holch Povlsen. However, Povlsen’s initial environmental objections to the Sutherland option shifted to enthusiastic support for the Saxa Vord project, bolstering Strang’s efforts as the need for financial backing grew.
Maggie Sandison, Chief Executive of Shetland Islands Council, praised Strang’s commitment to community engagement. She noted that the spaceport was developed with local interests in mind, creating opportunities for children and young people to learn about space through camps and competitions.
Strang’s personal life was marked by significant changes in recent years. He separated from his first wife, Debbie Hope, who now serves as the deputy chief executive of Shetland Space Centre. Recently, he married Dani Morey, who survives him, along with his children from his first marriage, Tom and Emily.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on August 3, 1958, Strang’s early years were spent in an environment shaped by his parents’ teaching careers. After losing his mother at a young age, he completed his education in Scotland before embarking on a diverse career that ultimately led him to his groundbreaking work in the space industry.
Frank Strang’s innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of opportunity have left an indelible mark on the landscape of commercial spaceflight in the UK. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations as the Saxa Vord Spaceport prepares for its first launch, fulfilling a vision that began with a simple idea on the remote Shetland Islands.
