The Scottish company Skyrora has announced big news today as they are awarded the first vertical space launch licence in the UK.
The permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority allows the company which has an office on Princes Street to launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport up to 16 times. The approval process examined key matters such as safety and environmental mitigations, and the ongoing launches will be subject to monitoring by the space regulator.
The company must also share its data with the UK Government as part of the licensing arrangement.
Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Granting a home-grown company, Skyrora its launch licence is a major milestone for our space sector and our nation.
“Our work as the UK’s space regulator is enabling the burgeoning launch industry to safely grow, bringing new jobs and investment with it.”
Volodymyr Levykin, CEO Skyrora said: “Becoming the first UK company to receive its vertical launch operator licence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Skyrora. It is essential that the UK has sovereign launch capabilities.
“Skyrora is proud to be leading efforts that enable launch activity from the UK and we look forward to achieving a reliable commercial launch programme that benefits us all.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, said: “This launch licence isn’t just one giant leap for Skyrora – it’s a massive boost to the whole of Scotland and the wider UK’s space sector. Becoming the first British company to manufacture and send a rocket into space from the UK will be a hugely significant moment.
“It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector – an important industry which is playing a vital role in our Plan for Change, helping economic growth and employing thousands of people in good quality jobs across the country. Glasgow in particular is a city and region with a huge role to play in the space race, with innovation in this field the focus of its £160 million UK Government funded Investment Zone status. This zone, established with local partners, is expected to generate around £300 million of initial private investment and support up to 10,000 jobs in the region.”
