Britain has officially approved the first vertical rocket launch, marking a significant milestone for the country’s space industry. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German company, has received the necessary license to launch its 30-meter-tall rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, located in northern Scotland. The launch is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2025, according to sources familiar with the timeline.
The UK has long sought to establish its own launch capabilities, supplementing its rapidly growing space sector, which currently employs over 45,000 people and manufactures more satellites than any country outside the United States. Despite these ambitions, the country’s efforts took a setback two years ago when a horizontal rocket launch from Newquay, southwest England, ended in failure.
A successful vertical launch would be a major step toward revitalizing the UK space industry. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued the country’s first-ever vertical launch license, allowing RFA’s rocket to carry satellites into orbit. The CAA will continue its safety monitoring process over the coming months to ensure the launch meets all regulatory and safety standards.
“This is a landmark moment for RFA, SaxaVord, and the UK space sector,” said Aviation Minister Mike Kane. “It brings us one step closer to the first commercial vertical space launch in the United Kingdom.”
However, several conditions must be met before the launch proceeds, including securing insurance and ensuring that international agreements with other nations are in place, as per the CAA’s statement.
