Plans to allow rocket components to be dumped into the sea off northern Scotland have ignited fury among environmental campaigners and tourism representatives. German space firm Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), operating from the SaxaVord Spaceport, has applied to the Scottish Government for a marine license to discard debris in a designated hazard area following launches.
Campaigners are vehemently opposing the proposal, with SpaceWatch UK accusing the space industry of seeking a "get-out-of-jail-free card" to "ditch launch junk in the ocean." Peter Burt of SpaceWatch UK dismissed claims that the debris could form artificial reefs, stating, "Launch companies have the cheek to try to gaslight us by saying that dumping space junk in the sea forms artificial reefs which are good for the environment, even though there is no evidence to support this claim." He further criticized the Scottish Government, saying it "should not be acting as lackeys for super-rich litter-louts who think they can use the ocean as a dustbin."
The Marine Conservation Society also issued a warning, emphasizing that Scotland's waters must not be used as a "dumping ground." The concerns extend to potential risks for maritime activities, with a risk assessment noting hazards such as contact with spectator and fishing vessels if they are not detected within the Launch Exclusion Zone during a launch.
Amanda Hawick, chairman of the Shetland Tourism Association, expressed alarm, calling the plan "absolutely shocking" and warning of potentially "devastating" impacts on tourism businesses. The plan comes shortly after SaxaVord, located on the island of Unst in Shetland and partly owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, secured an orbital launch license from the UK Space Agency.
The application details that the RFA micro-launcher is approximately 27 meters long and 2.15 meters in diameter, composed of stainless steel, other metal alloys, and carbon composites. It specifies that sections will be deposited in the sea after their missions, with propellants depleted, and are expected to sink rapidly. RFA has indicated that these discarded parts will not be recovered from the sea, though they suggest they could become artificial reefs beneficial to seabed wildlife.
SaxaVord's website states a founding commitment to minimize environmental impact both on Earth and in space. The company also claims it will work with launch operators to track returning components and record jettisoned material entering the marine environment. RFA, SaxaVord, and the Scottish Government were contacted for comment.