Skyrora, a UK-based space launch company and part of the Seraphim Space Accelerator Alumni, has made history by becoming the first UK rocket operator to receive a vertical launch licence. Granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the licence allows the company to carry out sub-orbital missions using its Skylark L rocket. This achievement aligns with Seraphim’s mission to back home-grown space technology that supports both commercial and defence applications.
On 5 August 2025, the CAA officially granted Skyrora the UK’s first vertical sub-orbital launch operator licence, dated 24 July after almost two years of preparation. The licence permits up to 16 Skylark L launches per year from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. The Skylark L is an 11-metre rocket designed to carry up to 50 kilograms of payload, paving the way for Skyrora’s future larger, orbital-class XL rocket.
This milestone is a major step for the UK’s ability to launch its own rockets rather than relying on other countries. It opens up new opportunities for research, in-space testing, and technologies with both commercial and defence uses. However, launch schedules at SaxaVord are already packed for 2025, with competitor Orbex holding several slots. Because of this, Skyrora is also exploring launch sites abroad, using its UK licence to speed up approvals in other countries.
Skyrora CEO Volodymyr Levykin said:
“Becoming the first home-grown company in the UK to receive a launch operator licence reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at Skyrora. It is essential that the UK has sovereign launch capabilities.”
With its licence in hand, Skyrora is ready to push the UK into a new era of rocket launches. While the first flights under this licence may face delays due to SaxaVord’s busy schedule, the company’s readiness and plans to launch internationally keep the momentum going. Backed by Seraphim from the early stages, Skyrora is on track to move from sub-orbital missions to full orbital launches with its XL rocket in the near future.
