UK’s first vertical rocket launch granted CAA license

Rocket Factory Ausberg (RFA) has received its launch license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, paving the way for the first commercial vertical launch from UK soil.

rfa-one


SaxaVord spaceport is to host the first vertical rocket launch from UK soil, with German company Rocket Factory Ausberg having now received its license; enabling it to launch its 30m tall RFA ONE rocket from the north coast of Scotland’s Shetland Isles.

UK CAA CEO Rob Bishton described the granting of the UK’s first vertical launch license building “towards a historic milestone for the nation,” marking “the culmination of extensive hard work behind the scenes to put appropriate safety and environmental measures in place before launch”.

RA co-founder and chief commercial officer Jörn Spurmann added: “Securing the first-ever launch license outside [the European Space Agency’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”.

No date has yet been specified for the first launch, although the CAA stated it will “continue to monitor the company to ensure public safety is maintained in the build-up to, and during launch”. The license also stipulates “a number of conditions that must be met before launch, including making sure international agreements with other countries are in place and that they have valid insurance”.

Having commenced the ‘hot fire’ campaign of its test rocket’s first stage in May 2024, RFA suffered a setback when an explosion resulted in the loss of the stage. With RFA confirming that the launch pad was “saved and is secured,” SaxaVord added that “all safety protocols were fully observed and the site evacuated prior to the test, meaning no RFA or SaxaVord personnel were at risk”.

SaxaVord Spaceport had previously become the first licensed vertical launch spaceport in the UK and Western Europe back in December, after almost three years of regulatory engagement. The license permits SaxaVord to host up to 30 launches a year. At the time, UK Space Agency director of launch Matt Archer had suggested that the first vertical launches from UK soil would take place “in the coming year” (ie 2024).

The facility also received its range control license in April 2024, enabling it to provide a number of safety-critical services before and during launch, such as issuing warning notices and performing surveillance of hazardous areas. Specific requirements of each mission will depend on the launch vehicle and will be outlined as part of relevant launch licenses.

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