Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German space rocket company, has applied for a marine licence required for its first launch from Shetland, moving closer to a summer blast-off. The company has specified a potential launch window no earlier than July 1, 2026, which is likely to last several weeks.
A successful launch would mark the first time satellites have been carried into space from UK soil. The marine licence is necessary as the first stage of the 30-metre-tall RFA One rocket will fall into the sea during ascent. The three-stage rocket is designed to deliver a 1,300kg payload to a sun-synchronous orbit.
RFA confirmed the application but stated a launch date has not yet been set. The company said: 'For the first time, the application also specifies a potential launch window... This is a legally-required step for planning and a good sign of how far we’ve come – but it’s not a launch date just yet.'
SaxaVord Spaceport, located at the northernmost tip of the UK, is supporting RFA's preparations. A spokesman said: 'We’re hard at work supporting @rfa_space as they prepare for first test flight.' The marine licence is the next regulatory step after RFA received a spaceflight licence from the Civil Aviation Authority in January 2025, and SaxaVord obtained a spaceport licence and range control licence.
