A Scottish aerospace company has secured the UK’s first-ever space launch license for a homegrown firm, marking a significant step forward for the country’s space ambitions. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved the permit, allowing Edinburgh-based Skyrora to conduct suborbital launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.
Skyrora aims to deploy its Skylark L rocket, an 11-meter vehicle capable of reaching speeds 3.5 times faster than sound, up to 16 times annually by 2030. The rocket, built with 3D-printed UK components, is designed to ascend to an altitude of 500 kilometers before returning to Earth, passing briefly through space. The company highlights its potential for cost-effective microgravity research.
This milestone follows a similar license granted earlier this year to Germany’s Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) for launches from the same site. SaxaVord, a former RAF radar station on the northernmost UK island of Unst, has faced challenges, including an engine explosion during testing last year.
Industry leaders and officials have hailed the approval as a turning point for the UK space sector. CAA chief Rob Bishton called it a “major milestone,” while Skyrora CEO Volodymyr Levykin praised the regulatory process for ensuring safety standards. The UK government also welcomed the news, emphasizing Scotland’s role in advancing space technology.
The broader UK space industry supports tens of thousands of jobs, with SaxaVord positioned as a key hub for future commercial launches. Despite setbacks, the growing interest in domestic spaceflight signals a new era for British aerospace.
