Shetland spaceport ready for first launch

SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland is ready for its first launch after a German space firm secured a final licence required for take-off.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) a vertical launch licence – the first of its kind in Europe.

The rocket firm now has all the regulatory requirements needed to launch, yet the exact date on when it will take place remains unknown.

The news comes after a rocket engine exploded during a flight test by the company in August. The RFA has confirmed no one was injured by the explosion.

Aviation minister Mike Kane described the licence as a “landmark moment” for the UK space sector.

And Rob Bishton, chief executive of the UK CAA, said it was a step towards a “historic milestone for the nation”

Bishton added: “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 space sector to reach new heights.”

The licence comes with a number of conditions that will need to be met before launch including ensuring international agreements with other countries are in place and that they have valid insurance.

Jörn Spurmann, co-founder of RFA said: “This is a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europe’s space industry. Securing the first-ever launch licence outside European Space Agency’s established site in Kourou (French Guinea) is not just a regulatory milestone – it’s a powerful endorsement of our technical excellence and a turning point for European space innovation.

“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.”