RFA Receives Launch Licence from the UK
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a European leader in developing flexible and low-cost launch services, proudly announces that it has officially received its spaceflight operator licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In combination with the spaceport licence and the range control licence from SaxaVord Spaceport, all three critical regulatory licences required for a test flight in 2025 from Scotland are therefore granted.
The spaceflight operator licence, also called launch licence, is of historic significance: RFA is the first company in Europe to receive such a licence for vertical launches of a privately developed orbital rocket. With this, RFA now has regulatory approval from the United Kingdom´s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to launch into space from Scotland. The licence is not limited in time and covers a wide range of orbits and trajectories. It validates RFA’s commitment to meeting stringent safety and operational standards, reinforcing the company’s readiness to execute its first test flight in 2025. Obtaining this historic approval demonstrates the trust that the CAA and UK have in RFA’s technology, team and philosophy.
With this regulatory green light in place, RFA is now shifting its focus to the final technical preparations for the first test flight. The company has already completed major development milestones, including the successful flight qualification of the RFA ONE’s second stage, its advanced Redshift orbital transfer vehicle (OTV), and its payload fairing system. The remaining efforts are centred on building the rocket´s first stage with nine Helix staged-combustion engines, and conducting a full hot fire test on the launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport, Scotland.
“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 licence 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. This license marks Europe’s bold step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access. By enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from European main land, we are laying the foundation for a new era of space exploration and commercialization, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of the global space race. Together with the CAA and our partners, we are driving the future of accessible and reliable spaceflight, unlocking opportunities that will shape industries and inspire generations.”
Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a new era for aerospace and granting the first vertical launch licence from UK soil builds towards a historic milestone for the nation. This licence is the culmination of extensive hard work behind the scenes to put appropriate safety and environmental measures in place before launch. Through effective licensing and regulation we are enabling the expanding space sector to reach new heights.”
Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, ISAM, and Space Sustainability said: “This licence approval is a landmark moment, as it signals the start of vertical rocket launches from European soil. The achievement, driven by effective collaboration between RFA, SaxaVord Spaceport, the regulator and government partners, highlights the growing strength of the UK’s launch capabilities and our international relationships. What’s more, ambitious companies like RFA are creating high-skilled jobs, catalysing investment, and inspiring the next generation to see their future in space.”
As Europe strives for greater autonomy and flexibility in space access, the RFA spaceflight operator license highlights the importance of developing privately driven, innovative solutions to meet the rapidly growing demand for satellite launches. The upcoming test flight of RFA ONE will position RFA as a key player in Europe’s spaceflight ambitions, providing a reliable and affordable launch service for small satellites, right from European mainland.