…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Ancient Cemetery Unearthed at UK Spaceport Site: Unveiling Shetland’s Bronze Age Past
During groundworks at the SaxaVord complex in the Shetland Islands, which aims to become the site of Britain’s first ever vertical rocket launch, archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery.
The remains of an ancient cemetery dating back thousands of years have been uncovered, shedding light on the region’s Bronze Age history.
A Fascinating Discovery: Pits, large boulders, and burnt bone were found at the site, along with white quartz—a significant indicator of burial tombs and rock artwork.
These findings suggest that the site functioned as a ritual cremation cemetery during the early Bronze Age, roughly around 2200 to 1800 BC.
The historical significance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as the Bronze Age period in Shetland remains relatively unknown.
An Exciting Opportunity for Archaeology: The revelation of the ancient cemetery has been met with great enthusiasm by archaeologists and researchers.
Dr. Val Turner, Shetland’s regional archaeologist, described the discovery as “hugely exciting” and viewed it as a remarkable chance to enhance our understanding of Shetland’s past, particularly the enigmatic Bronze Age era.
Progress at SaxaVord Spaceport: Despite the historical significance of the discovery, the SaxaVord spaceport development continues to progress.
The site, located on the Lamba Ness peninsula in Unst, aims to host multiple rocket launches this year, pending its spaceport license approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.
The company behind SaxaVord remains optimistic that the license will be granted by the end of the summer, paving the way for Europe’s first-ever vertical launch site.
Spaceport Engaging the Public: The UK space industry, valued at £7 billion last year, seeks to engage the public as it strives to establish itself as a major player in the global sector.
Initiatives like the co-launched Starflight Academy, an education program, aim to spark interest in space exploration among children and promote understanding of the astronaut’s journey.
Conclusion: The discovery of an ancient cemetery at the SaxaVord spaceport site is a momentous find that sheds light on the Bronze Age history of the Shetland Islands.
While archaeologists are excitedly delving into the past, the spaceport’s development continues to move forward, heralding the prospect of pioneering rocket launches in the UK.
Engaging the public and fostering interest in space exploration is a priority for the growing UK space industry, with initiatives like Starflight Academy leading the way towards an exciting future in space exploration and research.
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