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UK awards space launch license to Scottish firm

The UK has awarded its first space launch license to a Scottish rocket company. This will allow the Scottish startup to launch satellites from the first vertical launch site in the country.

Skyrora was founded in 2017 and will be able launch up to 16 rockets per year. This is subject to the UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) approval, the regulator announced on Tuesday.

The company based in Scotland would launch rockets from the SaxaVord Spaceport, located in the Shetland islands, north Scotland. This site received a safety license last year and could therefore be used in the future.

The Financial Times reported that SaxaVord told Skyrora there was no launch date available in 2025.

Skyrora's Chief Executive Volodymyr Levykin stated in a press release that the firm was prioritizing a launch from Britain, but expected a delay.

Levykin stated that despite having a vehicle and a license for launch, it was unlikely Skyrora would be able complete its launch in the UK this year.

He said that the company could launch in Australia, Oman or Iceland.

Rocket Factory Augsburg, a German company, was the first to receive a launch licence from SaxaVord earlier this year.

Rob Bishton, CAA's Chief Executive Officer said: "Giving a homegrown company Skyrora its launch license is a significant milestone for our space industry and our nation."

By 2030, the space market will be worth more than $1 trillion as companies from around the globe plan to deploy thousands internet-beaming Satellites.

The British space industry employs more than 45,000 people, and produces more satellites outside of the United States.

These efforts suffered a major setback in 2023, when a horizontal launch of a rocket from Newquay (south-west England) failed. SaxaVord's vertical launch would be a major boost to the industry.

Skyrora must meet certain conditions before launching, including an adequate insurance policy, a data sharing agreement with the British Government, and agreements on airspace with other countries. (Reporting and editing by Sarah Young; Sachin Ravikumar)

(source: Reuters)