German space company HyImpulse granted licence to launch rockets from UK

A German rocket firm has been granted a launch licence by UK regulators - and it plans to blast off from the Shetland Islands early next year.

HyImpulse, which builds commercial rockets, received the launch operator licence on Thursday from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The company was granted the right to launch after it passed a regulatory review process.

HyImpulse is aiming to launch its SR75 suborbital vehicle in spring 2027.

The rocket will be used for a number of research projects, with its design set to help it take off in a wider array of environmental conditions.

It is not intended to launch satellites, but other firms plan to use SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst for commercial space launches.

HyImpulse also hopes to launch an orbital rocket called SL1 from SaxaVord in the future.

Christian Schmierer, chief executive and co-founder of HyImpulse, said: "This licence is a major milestone for HyImpulse, and validates years of work by our teams and partners.

"Obtaining a launch operator licence in the UK is a rigorous process, and demonstrates that our systems, procedures and safety case meet the high standards required for commercial launch operations.

"With the operator licence secured, the most important regulatory milestone has been achieved.

"SR75 is ready for flight, and our teams have completed the major technical and operational preparations required for launch.

"Our focus is now on completing the final activities within the licence framework, in close coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority and SaxaVord, while preparing for launch as soon as conditions allow.

"At the same time, we continue at full speed with the development of our orbital launch vehicle SL1 to bring satellites to orbit."

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Sue Kee, head of space applications at the CAA, added: "The UK has a strong and growing space ecosystem, with more companies, like HyImpulse, looking to develop and operate launch capabilities from here.

"We are working closely with the sector to enable an emerging launch industry that is safe, secure and sustainable.

"Momentum continues to build towards vertical launch from the UK. We are in a significant and exciting period for the UK's growing space sector."

(c) Sky News 2026: German space company HyImpulse granted licence to launch rockets from UK