What's happened
SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland has been granted a range control license by the Civil Aviation Authority, allowing it to clear and control the downrange zone during launches. This milestone paves the way for the UK's first vertical rocket launch into orbit, with German company Rocket Factory Augsburg aiming to be the first to launch satellites from the site later this year.
Why it matters
The granting of the range license to SaxaVord Spaceport is a crucial development for the UK's space sector, enabling the safe and secure launch of rockets into orbit from British soil. This milestone signifies progress towards establishing the UK as a key player in the space industry and opens up opportunities for future satellite launches from the Shetland Islands.
What the papers say
The Civil Aviation Authority emphasized the importance of the range license in protecting public safety during launches. While some sources focus on the technical aspects of the license and its significance for the spaceport's operations, others highlight the broader implications for the UK's expanding space sector and the potential for increased launch frequency.
How we got here
SaxaVord Spaceport received its spaceport license in December, meeting safety and environmental requirements for vertical space launches. The range license is the next step in the regulatory process, ensuring the spaceport can safely control the downrange zone during rocket launches. The spaceport aims to launch up to 30 rockets annually, with Rocket Factory Augsburg planning to conduct satellite launches from the site.
Common question
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The Civil Aviation Authority is the statutory corporation which oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United Kingdom. Its areas of responsibility include:
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Rocket Factory Augsburg AG is a German New Space start-up located in Augsburg. A multistage rocket, RFA One, is currently under development and planned to launch in 2022.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.