Frank Strang: Entrepreneur Who Built Europe's Largest Spaceport in Shetland Islands
Frank Strang, a serial entrepreneur and former RAF officer, died at 67 from oesophageal cancer. He founded SaxaVord Spaceport on the Shetland island of Unst, converting a disused RAF radar station bought in 2006 for eco-tourism. Overcoming regulatory, financial, and political challenges, Strang secured government approval for the spaceport in 2023, aiming to become Europe’s largest commercial spaceport for vertical launches. His vision included partnerships with international clients and support from Danish businessman Anders Holch Povlsen, who helped fund the project despite environmental concerns. Strang, born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had a background in teaching and the RAF, later coaching the Scottish freestyle ski team. He married twice, surviving by his second wife Dani Morey, children Tom and Emily, and his first wife Debbie. The spaceport, licensed in 2023, is set to launch soon with military and civil clients.