The German firm Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has received official spaceflight licensing from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), setting the stage for the inaugural satellite launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.
This regulatory green light is the final hurdle for RFA as it prepares for a groundbreaking mission, aiming to become the first company to execute a vertical satellite launch from European territory.
RFA intends to launch its 30-meter-tall, three-stage rocket, RFA One, which can transport a payload of 1,300 kg into a sun-synchronous orbit. The first test flight is slated for 2025, following setbacks from a fire and explosion during a static test of the rocket’s initial stage last year.
Jorn Spurmann, RFA’s Chief Commercial Officer, hailed the licensing as a “transformative moment for RFA and Europe’s space sector.” He noted that this accomplishment signifies not just a regulatory achievement but also a crucial advancement toward independent and competitive access to space for Europe. Spurmann further stated that RFA’s initiatives aim to establish Europe as a frontrunner in space exploration and commercialization, facilitating cost-effective and adaptable launches from the continent.
SaxaVord Spaceport, situated on Unst, the northernmost of the Shetland Islands, has already secured its spaceport and range control licenses, reinforcing its position as a vital contributor to Europe’s expanding space industry. The anticipated launch in 2025 is set to usher in a new chapter for European space exploration.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, underscored the historical significance of this development, describing it as “a new era for aerospace” and a pivotal milestone for the UK. He acknowledged the extensive efforts made to ensure that all necessary safety and environmental protocols were established.
Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead hailed this milestone as a pivotal moment for Scotland’s space industry. He emphasized that Scotland, already recognized for its excellence in satellite manufacturing, is now ready to advance into satellite launches and harness the valuable data they generate. Lochhead praised the contributions of SaxaVord and RFA, along with Scotland’s innovative space entrepreneurs, for establishing the nation as a frontrunner in Europe’s space landscape. He reiterated the Scottish Government’s dedication to fostering the sector and tapping into its economic opportunities.
The approval of RFA’s mission licensing signifies a major advancement for the European space sector, paving the way for a new chapter of innovation and rivalry in satellite launches.
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