UK Space Regulator Issues First Space Launch Permit to Local Rocket Firm
The United Kingdom's space sector took a significant step forward with the granting of a vertical launch licence to Skyrora, a British space company, by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This milestone marks the UK as a reliable and cost-effective choice for customers seeking access to space from European soil.
Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK's space regulator, hailed the decision as a significant growth catalyst for the UK's space sector and the nation as a whole. The licensing approval process considered factors such as safety, international obligations, and environmental mitigations.
Volodymyr Levykin, CEO of Skyrora, expressed his delight at receiving the licence, calling it a testament to the hard work and dedication of the company. Skyrora's goal is to ensure the UK has sovereign launch capabilities.
The licence permits up to 16 sub-orbital Skylark L vehicle launches per year from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, subject to final launch-specific authorisations once certain conditions are met. These conditions include proof of adequate insurance coverage, a data sharing agreement with the UK Government, satisfactory agreements with SaxaVord Spaceport, and coordination and airspace agreements with other countries and international airspace authorities.
Skyrora will need to meet these conditions before any launches can proceed. The ongoing monitoring by the space regulator is aimed at driving high safety standards across the space sector. The CAA has been involved in an ongoing programme of monitoring the site as it progresses towards launch.
Mike Kane, Aviation & Space Minister, congratulated Skyrora for being the first UK company to receive a rocket launch license. Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, also congratulated Skyrora on becoming the first UK rocket company to receive a launch licence.
This decision is expected to boost skills, jobs, and the economy, as the UK's space sector reaches an important milestone in the space race. Skyrora is the second launch operator to have a licence to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is the UK's first licensed vertical launch spaceport, having received its range control licence in April 2024.
Britain is poised to take a leading role in the space industry, with the CAA continuing to monitor Skyrora's adherence to the terms of the licence and safety requirements throughout the build-up and launch phases. The UK space regulator will prioritize safety to ensure a successful and sustainable growth of the UK's space sector.
[1] UK Space Regulator Grants First Vertical Launch Licence to Skyrora
[2] Skyrora Receives Vertical Launch Licence from UK's Space Regulator
[3] SaxaVord Spaceport: UK's First Licensed Vertical Launch Spaceport
[4] UK Space Regulator Continues Monitoring Skyrora for Safety
[5] Skyrora's Launch Schedule to be Determined by Technical and Operational Readiness
- The UK's space sector has made a significant leap, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granting a vertical launch license to Skyrora, a British space company.
- The granted licence allows up to 16 sub-orbital Skylark L vehicle launches per year from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, subject to final launch-specific authorisations.
- Skyrora becomes the second launch operator to have a license to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is the UK's first licensed vertical launch spaceport.
- The UK space regulator will continue to monitor Skyrora's adherence to the terms of the licence and safety requirements throughout the build-up and launch phases.
