SaxaVord Spaceport

German rocket startup HyImpulse says it has secured its UK launch operator license as it targets suborbital and then orbital flights from Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport.

The European Space Agency is allocating funding to extend support for SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, specifically for Rocket Factory Augsburg's RFA One launcher.

HyImpulse secures DLR backing for its hybrid-engine SL1 rocket, targeting a 2027 orbital launch from Scotland’s SaxaVord Spaceport.

The European Space Agency (ESA) said it has awarded an initial set of contracts to three European rocket startups to help them evolve their ability to provide Europe with greater launcher diversity.

Germany, Sweden, Canada and the U.S. are expanding launch infrastructure as military demand strains existing spaceport capacity.

Rocket Factory Augsburg delayed RFA One hotfire testing after discovering unspecified issues during launch pad preparations.

Germany is exploring a military launch site to strengthen sovereign, resilient and responsive space launch capabilities.

The demise of British launch startup Orbex has reduced ESA flagship European Launcher Challenge to four candidates.

German space launch startup Rocket Factory Augsburg has secured two further ESA launches, while still working toward the inaugural liftoff of RFA One.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority says Skyrora's license represents the first time it has authorized a British-based company for a vertical launch.

British launch startup Orbex is eyeing early 2026 for the inaugural liftoff of its Prime rocket, company CEO Miguel Belló Mora says.

“We are now working closely with SaxaVord Spaceport and the authorities to gather data and info to eventually resolve what happened,” launch provider RFA said.

Two new spaceports in Scotland are preparing to service rockets heading to LEO and polar orbit, positioning the UK as a new player in the small launch market.

The SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, has been awarded the first-ever UK Civil Aviation Authority license for a vertical-launch site.

The UK government is preparing to publish its Space Sector Plan in early 2024, laying out its national space capabilities ambitions.

RFA was granted £3.5 million ($4.3 million) by the UK Space Agency.