In a groundbreaking moment for the UK’s space industry, Skyrora has become the first UK-based manufacturer to receive a commercial space launch licence.
Granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the licence permits Skyrora to launch its suborbital Skylark L rocket from within the United Kingdom, marking a crucial leap toward end-to-end launch capability from British soil.
This pivotal achievement supports the goals of the UK’s National Space Strategy, which aims to establish the country as a leading player in global space activity.
The ability to conduct sovereign launches will significantly reduce the UK’s reliance on foreign space launch providers and enhance national resilience in accessing space for commercial and government missions alike.
Volodymyr Levykin, CEO of Skyrora, highlighted the significance of the license: “Becoming the first homegrown company in the UK to receive a launch operator licence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Skyrora.
“We are pleased to be able to move forward with our launch plans. Given that operators like us, alongside the CAA, have been forging a new path, the journey to getting our UK licence has been a long but ultimately rewarding one. Safety is paramount to us, and so we are grateful to the CAA for its diligence in ensuring any launch activity is held to the highest of standards.
“It is essential that the UK has sovereign launch capabilities. Not only to unlock commercial activity for companies that need to access space and to help achieve the government’s objectives for becoming a global player in the space sector, but also from a strategic defence consideration.
“Skyrora is proud to be leading efforts that enable launch activity from the UK, and we look forward to achieving a reliable commercial launch programme that benefits us all.”
Skylark L: A sustainable path to orbit
At the heart of this development is Skyrora’s Skylark L, an 11-metre-tall suborbital rocket designed to carry payloads of up to 50kg beyond the Kármán line.
Powered by a clean-burning 30kN bipropellant engine and built using advanced 3D-printed components, the rocket is a testament to UK engineering and sustainability.
Originally developed to validate technologies for Skyrora’s upcoming orbital vehicle, the Skyrora XL, Skylark L also enables affordable microgravity research – offering scientists and commercial partners a cost-effective alternative to full orbital missions.
Lessons from Iceland fuel future success
While a 2022 launch of Skylark L from Iceland fell short of full mission success, the campaign provided vital real-world data.
Insights gained on vehicle performance, recovery operations, and logistical coordination have directly informed system improvements.
This hands-on experience has accelerated Skyrora’s roadmap toward future orbital launches and positioned the company at the forefront of UK space innovation.
With the new licence in hand, Skyrora is actively preparing for a UK-based space launch. The company is collaborating with spaceports, regulators, and industry partners to enable regular, reliable launch services from British territory.
Headquartered in Scotland, Skyrora’s efforts are driving regional economic growth and cementing the UK’s position in the global space economy.