Rocket Factory Augsburg – RFA has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a spaceflight operator license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, clearing regulatory pathways for the first vertical rocket launch from British soil. This development positions RFA’s upcoming mission at SaxaVord Spaceport in northern Scotland to become the first orbital vertical launch for the UK. For Europe Isar Aerospace is about to become the pioneer.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europe’s space industry,” noted Jörn Spurmann, RFA co-founder and chief commercial officer. “Securing the first-ever launch license outside the European Space Agency’s established site in Kourou demonstrates our technical capabilities and marks a turning point for European space innovation.”
Founded in 2018 as an OHB SE spin-off, RFA has rapidly positioned itself as a frontrunner in the European micro-launcher sector. The company’s progress, however, encountered challenges in August 2024 when a rocket engine exploded during a hot-fire test at SaxaVord spaceport. During this nine-engine test, large flames and smoke emerged horizontally from the rocket’s base before the structure was engulfed by fire.
Despite funding concerns that would have derailed less determined ventures, RFA persevered through these obstacles with commitment to their vision. This resilience exemplifies the tenacity required in the challenging NewSpace sector, where the ability to overcome both technical setbacks and financial hurdles often determines success.
The August explosion has postponed what would have been the first vertical satellite launch from European soil, pushing the UK’s anticipated vertical launch celebration from 2024 to 2025. RFA represents one of five launch providers planning operations from SaxaVord, alongside the UK’s Skyrora and Orbex, Germany’s HyImpulse, and a US-led consortium under Lockheed Martin. The spaceport’s current configuration supports up to 30 launches annually, with potential for expansion through additional launch pads. RFA aims to eventually achieve a weekly launch cadence.
This development highlights the iterative design approach characteristic of NewSpace ventures, where companies learn from technical challenges to improve their systems. Unlike traditional space industry practices that involve years of extensive testing, NewSpace companies adopt a faster development cycle that accepts higher risk tolerance and embraces failure as part of the iterative design process.
German RFA Secures Historic UK Launch License: Milestone for European Launch Capability Amid Technical Challenges
