SaxaVord strengthens operations with two new senior appointments

Nadine and Ian being welcomed on site by CEO Scott Hammond (centre).

SaxaVord Spaceport has bolstered its growing team with two new senior appointments in operations as it prepares for first launch.

Ian Palmer has joined as Director of Operations and Nadine Armiger-Drake as Spaceport Operations Manager.

Both bring a wealth of skills, expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable to the company as it transitions from developmental to operational phase.

Ian began his career in the RAF as a weapons technician and among other roles served as a lead engineer officer on 14 Squadron Tornados, leaving after 23 years to join GE as senior business operations manager.

He then moved into the whisky industry with William Grant & Sons and Whyte & Mackay before joining LevertonHELM as director of engineering and operations in the UK.

Nadine was the programme lead for secure infrastructure projects (counter-terrorism/counter-espionage) for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offices Services Agency, most recently leading complex and award-winning RAF secure infrastructure projects in challenging environments globally.

Her first project for projects in remote and challenging locations for the RAF was the re-installation of the radar at RRH Saxa Vord in 2017-18. Prior to that she lived and worked in Japan, Syria and Belgium.

Ian said: “I am absolutely delighted to have joined the team at SaxaVord Spaceport, and look forward to leading the operations team as we prepare for the first launch and beyond.”

Nadine said: “It’s great to be back at Saxa Vord in such an exciting role, preparing for what will be a historic first European vertical rocket launch. I’m thrilled for what this will mean for the UK, and for the STEM opportunities it could bring for our next generation of space pioneers.”

Saxa CEO Scott Hammond added: “We are all pleased to welcome Ian and Nadine to the team – I am sure with their skills and experience they will make enormous contributions as we move into the operational phase of the business.”