The First Vertical Launch Spaceport in Europe Gets Cloud-Based Comm System
The SaxaVord Spaceport recently received a high-tech cloud-based voice communications system for their ground control center.
Edited by EE Staff
Cool Stuff
May 4, 2026
SaxaVord Spaceport is located at Lamba Ness on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands and is developing infrastructure and critical services to support future orbital test flights. The site has secured Spaceport and Range licenses from the Civil Aviation Authority and is designed to support small rockets delivering payloads into low Earth orbit.
“Reliable communication is essential to safe and efficient launch operations,” said James Withey, Senior Systems Consultant Engineer, CC Sales UK, Clear-Com. “Gen-IC® lets SaxaVord’s teams and visiting payload operators to connect instantly from any location, while giving administrators the control and scalability needed to support evolving mission requirements.”
Gen-IC includes a 32-user license supporting PCs located within the control center, mobile devices operating on-site and off-site, and remote access for operators who require connectivity beyond the facility.
The system allows range administrators to remotely add, manage, and remove users, as well as assign voice loop communication keys as needed. This enables rapid reconfiguration of user interfaces to support visiting payload teams and changing operational requirements.
An on-premises voice recording system is also included, capturing audio from eight dedicated voice loops via a Clear-Com LQ eight-channel interface. The system provides storage and playback capabilities to support operational review, health and safety requirements, and training.
Maintaining proper and accurate communications is a mission critical capability that the SaxaVord Spaceport will rely on, while future expansion may include integration of tactile control hardware and the site’s radio network through additional interfaces.
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