The Civil Aviation Authority has granted the first ever vertical launch licence for a rocket heading to space from UK soil.
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) plans to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.
The licensing process looked at a number of key factors. This included how safety is maintained, international obligations are met and environmental mitigations are made for RFA’s proposed mission.
The approved launch will see a 30m tall RFA ONE rocket launch northwards from the coast of the Shetland Islands.
Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a new era for aerospace and granting the first vertical launch licence from UK soil builds towards a historic milestone for the nation.
“This licence is the culmination of extensive hard work behind the scenes to put appropriate safety and environmental measures in place before launch.
“Through effective licensing and regulation we are enabling the expanding the space sector to reach new heights.”
Jörn Spurmann, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of RFA said: “This is a ground-breaking moment for RFA and for Europe’s space industry. Securing the first-ever launch license outside ESA’s established site in Kourou is not just a regulatory milestone – it’s a powerful endorsement of our technical excellence and a turning point for European space innovation.
“This license marks Europe’s bold step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access. By enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from European main land, we are laying the foundation for a new era of space exploration and commercialization, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of the global space race.
“Together with the CAA and our partners, we are driving the future of accessible and reliable spaceflight, unlocking opportunities that will shape industries and inspire generations.”
Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: “This is a landmark moment for RFA, SaxaVord and the UK space sector and moves the dial one step closer towards the first commercial vertical space launch in the United Kingdom.
“The UK is the perfect location to carry out launch operations in a business-friendly environment, with safety at the heart of our Spaceflight Strategy. And as set out in our Plan for Change, we are unlocking jobs and economic growth across the country in untapped industries, making the impossible a reality for future generations.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This is a momentous moment for Scotland’s space sector. Not only can Scotland manufacture satellites, but now we are well on our way to launching them and providing expert analysis of the data they subsequently provide.
“I congratulate the SaxaVord team in Shetland and Rocket Factory Augsburg, both of which are now on course to host the first commercial launch of its kind in Europe.
“More broadly I want to pay tribute to Scotland’s space entrepreneurs who have made this country one of Europe’s leading space nations.
“The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies will continue to support the sector in whatever way we can, helping unlock its vast economic potential.”
The licence comes with a number of conditions that will need to be met before launch including making sure international agreements with other countries are in place and that they have valid insurance.
Now RFA has received a launch licence the CAA will continue to monitor the company to ensure public safety is maintained in the build-up to, and during launch.
SaxaVord Spaceport became the UK’s first licenced vertical launch spaceport last December, and received their range control licence in April 2024. Since then the CAA has been involved in an extensive programme of monitoring the site.
Source: The Herald