Scotland’s burgeoning space sector is celebrating a landmark achievement as the Civil Aviation Authority grants Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) a vertical launch licence, paving the way for the UK’s first-ever vertical rocket launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.
This historic licence approval allows RFA to launch up to ten rockets per year, with no more than two launches per month, carrying small satellites and other payloads into orbit.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead hailed the news as a transformative moment for Scotland’s space industry, emphasising the nation’s growing capability to not only manufacture satellites but also launch them and analyse the valuable data they provide.
Lochhead congratulated the teams at SaxaVord and Rocket Factory Augsburg, applauding their determination in achieving what will be a landmark moment for Europe’s space sector, with Scotland at its core.
He also paid tribute to Scotland’s space entrepreneurs, crediting their innovation and ambition for placing the country among Europe’s leading space nations.
The Scottish Government, Lochhead said, remains committed to supporting the sector in unlocking its vast economic potential and driving forward growth in high-value industries.
Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael echoed these sentiments, describing the licence as a critical step towards liftoff and a game-changing moment for Shetland and the wider UK.
Carmichael praised the hard work of the RFA and SaxaVord teams and stressed that the success of this venture will rely on continued collaboration between the local community, council, and government.
He highlighted the opportunity to create long-term, high-quality jobs in Shetland and across Scotland, with the region poised to become a key hub for the UK’s space ambitions.
The licence approval removes the final regulatory hurdle to the first vertical space launch in the UK, and all eyes are now on SaxaVord as it prepares to make history.
Once operational, SaxaVord Spaceport will play a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s space capabilities, with Scotland leading the charge in satellite production, launch services, and data analysis.
The global space economy is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades, and Scotland is positioning itself as a key player in this high-growth sector.
The Shetland launch will mark not only a major milestone for Scotland’s space industry but also a boost to the UK’s efforts to establish itself as a leader in the European commercial space market.
As preparations continue for the first launch, industry leaders and government representatives are united in their determination to ensure Scotland’s space sector reaches new heights.
With innovation, collaboration, and investment driving progress, Scotland is on track to play a leading role in the future of space exploration and technology.
