The German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has made history by receiving the first-ever Launch Operator Licence from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling them to conduct vertical rocket launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.

This licence allows RFA to launch up to ten rockets per year, primarily for deploying small satellites and other payloads, reflecting the growing demand for space services.

RFA aims to provide reliable and competitive launch services for small satellites directly from continental Europe, reducing reliance on US launch providers like SpaceX.

The CAA's approval includes comprehensive safety measures for ground operations and flight, ensuring the protection of people from potential hazards during the rocket's launch.

SaxaVord Spaceport, which received its spaceport licence in December 2023, is strategically located 50 miles north of Scotland's mainland, making it ideal for launching smaller satellites into polar orbits.

The spaceport aims to conduct up to 30 launches annually, with RFA being the most advanced among seven other rocket companies planning to launch from the site.

Rob Bishton, the CEO of the CAA, described the license as a historic milestone for the UK aerospace sector, emphasizing the extensive safety and environmental preparations undertaken prior to granting the launch license.

Matt Archer from the UK Space Agency hailed the license approval as a landmark moment for the UK space sector, marking a significant milestone for Europe's space industry.

The RFA ONE rocket, which stands approximately 30 meters tall, is designed to carry up to 1,300 kilograms into a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 500 kilometers.

RFA ONE will launch from Launch Pad 1 'Fredo', traveling over the Norwegian Sea and North Pole, with its first test flight planned for the second half of 2025.

Despite the recent approval, RFA has faced challenges, including an engine explosion during a hot-fire test that damaged the launch platform, necessitating further testing before the inaugural launch.