CAA approves UK’s first vertical launch

Above: RFA ONE rocket taking off.
Courtesy RFA

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) plans to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. The licensing process looked at a number of key factors. This included how safety is maintained, international obligations are met and environmental mitigations are made for RFA’s proposed mission.

The approved launch will see a 30 metre tall RFA ONE rocket launch northwards from the coast of the Shetland Islands.

Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a new era for aerospace and granting the first vertical launch licence from UK soil builds towards a historic milestone for the nation.

“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.”

Jörn Spurmann, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of RFA said: “This is a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europe’s space industry. Securing the first-ever launch license outside ESA’s established site in Kourou is not just a regulatory milestone – it’s a powerful endorsement of our technical excellence and a turning point for European space innovation.

“This license marks Europe’s bold step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access. By enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from European main land, we are laying the foundation for a new era of space exploration and commercialization, 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.”

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

With this regulatory green light in place, RFA is now shifting its focus to the final technical preparations for the first test flight. The company has already completed major development milestones, including the successful flight qualification of the RFA ONE’s second stage, its advanced Redshift orbital transfer vehicle (OTV), and its payload fairing system. The remaining efforts are centred on building the rocket´s first stage with nine Helix staged-combustion engines, and conducting a full hot fire test on the launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport, Scotland.

Now RFA has received a launch licence the CAA will continue to monitor the company to ensure public safety is maintained in the build-up to and during launch.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: “This is a landmark moment for RFA, SaxaVord and the UK space sector and moves the dial one step closer towards the first commercial vertical space launch in the United Kingdom.

“The UK is the perfect location to carry out launch operations in a business-friendly environment, with safety at the heart of our Spaceflight Strategy. And as set out in our Plan for Change, we are unlocking jobs and economic growth across the country in untapped industries, making the impossible a reality for future generations.”

Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, ISAM and Space Sustainability said: “This licence approval is a landmark moment, as it signals the start of vertical rocket launches from European soil. The achievement, driven by effective collaboration between RFA, SaxaVord Spaceport, the regulator and government partners, highlights the growing strength of the UK’s launch capabilities and our international relationships. What’s more, ambitious companies like RFA are creating high-skilled jobs, catalysing investment and inspiring the next generation to see their future in space.”

SaxaVord Spaceport became the UK’s first licenced vertical launch spaceport last December and received their range control licence in April 2024. Since then the CAA has been involved in an extensive programme of monitoring the site.