Space / Rocket company’s spaceflight licence a ‘groundbreaking moment’
RFA’s licence to launch of SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst is the first of its kind to be granted in the UK
A GERMAN rocket firm has received a spaceflight operator licence from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to carry out vertical launches from the SaxaVord Spaceport in what is a first for the UK.
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) said in combination with spaceport and range control licences from SaxaVord, “all three critical regulatory licences required for a test flight in 2025 from Scotland are therefore granted”.
It has been described as the first licence for vertical orbital launches from European mainland, and it is the first time UK regulator CAA has granted this licence.
RFA stands to carry out the first vertical rocket launch from the UK, and potentially from Europe.
The approved launch will see a 30 metre tall RFA ONE rocket launch northwards from Unst.
The company’s plans to undertake a launch from Unst were previously delayed after a hot fire test went wrong in August of last year.
The company said that, with this regulatory green light in place, it is now shifting its focus to the final technical preparations for the first test flight.
A spokesperson said RFA has already completed “major development milestones”, including the successful flight qualification of the RFA One’s second stage, its advanced Redshift orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) and its payload fairing system.
“The remaining efforts are centred on building the rocket’s first stage with nine Helix staged-combustion engines, and conducting a full hot fire test on the launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport,” they added.
RFA co-founder and chief commercial officer Jörn Spurmann said it was a “groundbreaking moment” for the company as well as the European space industry.
“Securing the first-ever launch licence outside ESA’s [European Space Agency] 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,” he said.
“This licence marks Europe’s bold step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access.
“By enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from the European mainland, we are laying the foundation for a new era of space exploration and commercialisation, 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.”
Photo: Malcolm Younger/Millgaet Media
SaxaVord Spaceport CEO Frank Strang hailed the news and congratulated RFA, saying it is a “significant day for the UK’s vertical rocket launch capability”.
“With our own spaceport and range licences already in place we now have the full set of approvals required to launch into orbit,” he added.
“This is a historic first and we will be working very closely with RFA throughout the year to help on that first mission from SaxaVord.”
Scottish 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 CAA’s licensing process looked at a number of key factors, with a high priority placed on safety.
The aviation authority said through the granting of the licence it is assured that RFA is in the right place to be heading towards the first vertical launch from the UK.
Other elements in the licensing process include environmental mitigations and international obligations.
The licence given to RFA limits the company to no more than 10 launches a year, and a maximum of two a month.
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 RFA has valid insurance.
The CAA said it will continue to monitor the company to ensure public safety is maintained in the build-up to, and during launch.
At the moment CAA is currently assessing seven different launch providers – but this potentially ranges from only conversations, to be being on the cusp of receiving a licence.
CAA CEO Rob Bishton 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.”
The UK Space Agency’s director of launch Matt Archer said: “This licence approval is a landmark moment, as it signals the start of vertical rocket launches from European soil.
“The achievement, driven by effective collaboration between RFA, SaxaVord Spaceport, the regulator and government partners, highlights the growing strength of the UK’s launch capabilities and our international relationships.
“What’s more, ambitious companies like RFA are creating high-skilled jobs, catalysing investment, and inspiring the next generation to see their future in space.”
SaxaVord Spaceport became the UK’s first licensed vertical launch spaceport last December, and it received a range control licence in April last year.
The CAA said it has been involved in an “extensive programme of monitoring the site” since then.
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