Moving closer to a landmark moment for Shetland – Carmichael welcomes RFA vertical launch licence

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today welcomed news that Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has been licensed to carry out vertical launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, removing the last regulatory barrier to the first vertical space launch in the UK this year.

RFA have been awarded the first Launch Operator Licence allowing it to launch rockets from SaxaVord. The licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority gives permission for RFA to launch up to ten rockets a year into space (and no more than two per month) carrying small satellites and other payloads.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The licence for RFA is hugely welcome news and brings us closer than ever to what will be a landmark moment for Shetland and for the whole United Kingdom. Credit goes to the RFA and SaxaVord teams for their determination in these critical months.

“There should be no further regulatory barriers now to the first launch happening at SaxaVord. Even so there is still plenty to do and it will take hard work and the support of the local community, the council and others to ensure that we reach liftoff in the coming months.

“This is an opportunity to ensure long-term, high-quality jobs for our community and across the UK. We are closer than ever now but the government needs to be ready to support this momentum and back the success of the space industry, with Shetland leading the way.”