Brief
German rocket firm HyImpulse receives UK launch operator licence
The Civil Aviation Authority approved HyImpulse’s licence, allowing the company to prepare a sub‑orbital launch from SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst.
By Felo News Desk · Published
HyImpulse, a German commercial‑rocket developer, was awarded a UK launch operator licence by the Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday, clearing the path for a planned sub‑orbital flight from SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst in early 2027.
What happened
The licence was issued after HyImpulse completed the regulator’s review process. The company intends to launch its SR75 sub‑orbital vehicle in spring 2027 from the SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst, Shetland. The SR75 will be used for research projects and is designed to operate in a broad range of environmental conditions. HyImpulse also has longer‑term plans to launch an orbital vehicle, the SL1, from the same site.
What the reports add
Both the Independent and the Evening Standard reported the same core facts: the licence was granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the intended launch window is spring 2027, and the launch will take place from SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst. Neither outlet provided additional details beyond the basic announcement.
What was said
Christian Schmierer, chief executive and co‑founder of HyImpulse, told the outlets, “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.”
How it came about
HyImpulse’s licence follows a series of regulatory approvals for commercial launch activities in the UK, including recent licences for other operators at SaxaVord. The UK government has been promoting Shetland as a hub for sub‑orbital and orbital launches, a trend highlighted in Felo’s coverage of Skyrora’s hot‑fire test at Machrihanish earlier this month (Skyrora completes 45‑second hot‑fire test of scaled‑down XL rocket engine in Scotland).
Key facts
- HyImpulse received a UK launch operator licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. (independent.co.uk)
- The licence enables a planned SR75 sub‑orbital launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in spring 2027. (independent.co.uk)
- CEO Christian Schmierer said the licence validates years of work and meets high safety standards. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] standard.co.uk
