The SaxaVord launchpad in northern Scotland. File pic: PA
The UK has officially granted approval for its first-ever vertical rocket launch, marking a significant step toward becoming a key player in the global space industry.
The decision, issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), paves the way for the first launch of a traditional vertical rocket from British soil. The clearance is a crucial milestone for the UK’s space ambitions, bringing the country closer to witnessing a launch from its shores.
German aerospace company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has received the necessary launch license from the CAA and is set to carry out a test flight later this year from the SaxaVord Spaceport, located in the far northern reaches of Scotland, near Shetland. The spaceport has already received approval for its ground operations and safety measures, ensuring that hazardous areas surrounding the rocket’s flight path are properly managed.
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful launch by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which further intensifies the competition in the rapidly growing commercial space sector.
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A Step Toward Independent European Space Access
Jorn Spurmann, co-founder of RFA, celebrated the approval as a key moment in the development of Europe’s space industry. He called the CAA’s decision a “groundbreaking moment” for both RFA and the wider European aerospace sector, emphasizing that the move would enable cost-effective and flexible launches from Europe, putting the continent at the forefront of the global space race.
“This is an important step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access in Europe,” Spurmann said.
Innovative Design and Cost-Cutting Technologies
The RFA ONE rocket, which will be used for the test flight, employs innovative design strategies to keep costs low. The rocket uses stainless steel — the same material commonly used for beer storage tanks — and welding robots typically used in industrial manufacturing. By repurposing these components, RFA has been able to reduce costs without compromising performance.
However, despite the green light from the CAA, RFA still faces significant engineering challenges. A previous engine test last year resulted in a spectacular explosion at the spaceport, prompting the company to redesign the rocket’s first stage. A full “hot fire” test of the new engine design is scheduled for the coming weeks.
Milestone for the UK Space Industry
Matt Archer, director of commercial space at the UK Space Agency, described the license approval as a “landmark moment” for the UK’s growing space sector. The UK government has been actively working to create a favorable environment for space exploration, and this development is a clear indication of the country’s ambition to be at the forefront of the space industry.
Rob Bishton, CEO of the CAA, also weighed in, calling the approval of the vertical launch license a historic milestone for the UK. “This is a new era for aerospace,” he said. “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.”
As RFA prepares for its test flight, the approval sets the stage for more space launches from UK soil in the years to come, and the country continues to position itself as an emerging hub for commercial space activities.
The Future of UK Space Launches
The successful launch of a vertical rocket would not only boost the UK’s status in the global space race but also have broader economic and technological benefits. It could pave the way for more spaceports in the UK, providing a new source of revenue, technological innovation, and jobs.
With challenges still ahead, including rigorous safety tests and engineering hurdles, the upcoming months will be critical for RFA and the UK’s space ambitions. However, the granting of this launch license signals that the UK is ready to take its place in the space exploration arena.
As the countdown to the first vertical launch begins, all eyes will be on SaxaVord Spaceport to see if the UK’s space industry is ready to launch into a new era.