The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted official spaceflight licensing to the German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), enabling the first satellite launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. This regulatory approval is crucial for RFA's upcoming mission, which aims to be the first to achieve a vertical satellite launch from European territory.
RFA intends to launch its RFA One rocket, a three-stage vehicle standing 30 meters tall, designed to deliver a 1,300kg payload into a sun-synchronous orbit.
The inaugural test flight is anticipated in 2025, following previous delays due to a fire and explosion during a static test of the rocket's first stage last year.
Jorn Spurmann, RFA's Chief Commercial Officer, characterized the licensing as a pivotal moment for both RFA and Europe’s space industry, highlighting its significance for achieving independent and competitive access to space.
He noted that RFA's initiatives aim to establish Europe as a leader in space exploration and commercialization, facilitating cost-effective and flexible launch options from the continent.
SaxaVord Spaceport, situated on Unst, the northernmost Shetland Island, has secured its spaceport and range control licenses, reinforcing its position in Europe’s expanding space sector. The 2025 launch is set to usher in a new chapter for European space exploration.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, emphasized the historical significance of this development, referring to it as a new era for aerospace and a vital milestone for the UK, acknowledging the extensive efforts made to ensure safety and environmental standards were met.
Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead hailed the recent milestone as a pivotal moment for Scotland's space industry. He emphasized that Scotland, already a frontrunner in satellite manufacturing, is now ready to advance into satellite launches and harness the valuable data they generate. Lochhead praised the contributions of SaxaVord, RFA, and Scotland's space entrepreneurs for establishing the nation as a key player in Europe's space landscape. He reiterated the Scottish Government's dedication to fostering the sector and realizing its economic potential.
The approval of RFA's mission represents a crucial advancement for the European space sector, paving the way for a new wave of innovation and competition in satellite launches.