Forres spaceflight company Orbex apply for licence to launch first rockets from Scotland
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
ROCKET manufacturers Orbex has submitted its application to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a launch licence.
The application is another step towards making launches of the Forres based business' 'Prime' rocket a reality.
Future launches will take place at Space Hub Sutherland in the north of Scotland.
The CAA launch licence ensures that operators meet the regulatory requirements set by the UK’s Space Industry Act 2018 (SIA) and Space Industry Regulations 2021 (SIR).
Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex, said: "This licence application is another big step forward for Orbex, and is one of several tracks running in parallel that will enable commercial launch operations to commence from Sutherland.
"The application process is rigorous and detailed, with a strong focus on safety. It has taken a large team more than two years to complete the investigations and analysis required to submit the license application today.
"We are looking forward to working with the Civil Aviation Authority over the coming months as they assess our application."
Space Hub Sutherland is the world's first carbon neutral spaceport and the only spaceport in the UK to have received full planning permission. Construction of the spaceport is due to begin later this year.
The Orbex ‘Prime’ rocket will soon be tested on the Orbex LP1 launch platform at a facility in Kinloss where full 'dress rehearsals' of launch procedures will take place.
Prime is a micro-launcher designed to transport small satellites weighing around 150kg to low Earth orbit. It will become the world's most environmentally friendly space rocket with a carbon footprint up to 96 per cent lower than comparable space launch programmes.
