Scottish Government: Business Minister welcomes approval of first UK vertical space launch

Commenting on the Civil Aviation Authority's award of a vertical launch licence to Rocket Factory Augsburg, Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

“This is a momentous moment for Scotland's space sector. Not only can Scotland manufacture satellites, but now we are well on our way to launching them and providing expert analysis of the data they subsequently provide.

“I congratulate the SaxaVord team in Shetland and Rocket Factory Augsburg, both of which are now on course to host the first commercial launch of its kind in Europe.

“More broadly I want to pay tribute to Scotland's space entrepreneurs who have made this country one of Europe's leading space nations.

“The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies will continue to support the sector in whatever way we can, helping unlock its vast economic potential.”

Background 

The UK Civil Aviation Authority's announcement