The Civil Aviation Authority has granted Skyrora the first licence for a vertical space launch from UK soil, allowing the Glasgow-based company to launch its Skylark L rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.
Skyrora CEO Volodymyr Levykin said the licence is a step toward UK sovereign launch capabilities.
The approval permits up to 16 launches per year, though SaxaVord is not expected to support launches until 2026.
The licence covers only sub-orbital missions for the 11-metre rocket, which will reach heights above the internationally recognised boundary of space.
Skyrora aims to test technology with this rocket before moving to orbital launches with a larger vehicle. If delays occur, Skyrora may transfer the licence to Australia for earlier launch opportunities.