Augsburg, Germany – January 16, 2025 Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a European leader in affordable and flexible launch services, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the issuance of its spaceflight operator license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This license, combined with the spaceport license and range control license from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, clears the path for RFA’s inaugural test flight of its RFA ONE rocket later in 2025.
RFA One Launch Credit: Rocket Factory
The spaceflight operator license, often referred to as a launch license, is a momentous achievement for Europe’s space industry. RFA is now the first company in Europe to receive regulatory approval for vertical launches of a privately developed orbital rocket. This license grants RFA unrestricted approval from the CAA to launch from Scotland, covering a broad range of orbits and trajectories. It reflects the UK’s trust in RFA’s cutting-edge technology, robust safety measures, and operational readiness.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europe’s space industry,” said Jörn Spurmann, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of RFA. “Securing the first-ever launch license outside ESA’s established site in Kourou is not just a regulatory milestone – it’s a powerful endorsement of our technical excellence and a turning point for European space innovation. By enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from the European mainland, we are laying the foundation for a new era of space exploration and commercialization.”
Final Preparations Underway
With regulatory approval in hand, RFA is now focused on the final technical preparations for the test flight. The company has already achieved key development milestones, including the flight qualification of the RFA ONE rocket’s second stage, its advanced Redshift orbital transfer vehicle (OTV), and its payload fairing system. Current efforts are concentrated on constructing the rocket’s first stage, powered by nine Helix staged-combustion engines, and conducting a full hot fire test at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland.
The upcoming test flight will not only validate the rocket’s performance but also mark a significant leap for Europe’s space sector by enabling affordable and efficient satellite launches directly from European soil.
The achievement has been widely lauded by industry leaders. Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, remarked, “This is a new era for aerospace, and granting the first vertical launch license from UK soil builds towards a historic milestone for the nation. This license is the culmination of extensive hard work behind the scenes to put appropriate safety and environmental measures in place before launch.”
Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, ISAM, and Space Sustainability, echoed these sentiments: “This license approval is a landmark moment, as it signals the start of vertical rocket launches from European soil. Ambitious companies like RFA are creating high-skilled jobs, catalyzing investment, and inspiring the next generation to see their future in space.”
As Europe seeks greater autonomy in accessing space, RFA’s accomplishment underscores the importance of private-sector innovation in meeting the growing demand for satellite launches. RFA ONE, designed for cost-effective and reliable small satellite deployment, is poised to become a critical asset in Europe’s space ambitions.
RFA’s vertical launch capability from Scotland signals a bold step toward independent, sustainable, and competitive access to space. With the test flight planned for later this year, RFA is positioning itself as a key player in the global space industry, unlocking opportunities for technological innovation, investment, and exploration that will shape the future of European spaceflight.
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