Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 27 OCTOBER 2025

Lift Off From Shetland After Skyrora Secures Vertical Launch Licence

Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Contributor
Shepherd and Wedderburn

Shepherd and Wedderburn

We are an independent law firm, headquartered in Scotland, delivering high-quality legal advice and...

View firm profile
Explore more from Shepherd and Wedderburn

Edinburgh-based Skyrora has made history by becoming the first UK-based company to receive a vertical launch licence.

United KingdomTransport
Ruairidh Leishman
Ruairidh Leishman
Author LinkedIn connections

Edinburgh-based Skyrora has made history by becoming the first UK-based company to receive a vertical launch licence.

Granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), this licence authorises Skyrora to launch its suborbital Skylark L rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Shetland. The licence allows for one initial launch, with subsequent CAA review and approval needed for up to 16 launches per year. This milestone represents a step toward the UK having end-to-end domestic commercial launch capability, signalling a new era for the national space sector.

While Skyrora is not the first company to be granted a vertical launch licence (Rocket Factory Augsburg, a German-based company was granted one in January 2025), Skyrora's licence goes a great deal towards achieving a stated objective of both the UK's National Space Strategy and the Scottish Space Strategy, realising the final piece of the end-to-end space value chain: domestic launch capability. Moreover, it sits

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

A Guide For Businesses Considering Self-driving Fleets

Self-driving vehicles could transform commercial fleets, but the UK's new Automated Vehicles Act 2024 creates a complex regulatory framework that redistributes legal responsibility between fleet operators, vehicle occupants, and automated driving system providers. Before committing to significant investment in automated cars, vans, HGVs or passenger vehicles, general counsel and procurement teams must understand what the technology is legally authorised to do, who carries each responsibility
United KingdomTransport
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP
Article

Supply Chain Market Update: Rates Hold High As Trucking And Air Stay Tight While Ocean Shows Early Signs Of Stabilizing

Transportation rates remain elevated across all major modes as capacity constraints persist in trucking and air freight, while ocean markets show early signs of stabilization following inventory front-loading activity. Despite some moderation from peak levels, rates across global shipping, air cargo, and North American trucking continue to run significantly above prior-year benchmarks due to ongoing network disruptions and structural capacity limitations.
United KingdomTransport
AlixPartners Asia LLC
AlixPartners Asia LLC
Article

UK Supreme Court Confirms Buyers’ Loss-of-bargain Damages Under The 2012 Norwegian Saleform

The UK Supreme Court has ruled on whether buyers can recover loss of bargain damages when cancelling a ship sale contract under the 2012 Norwegian Saleform due to a seller's late delivery caused by proven negligence. The decision clarifies the scope of compensation available under clause 14 when sellers miss the cancelling date, potentially exposing sellers to significant market-difference damages in rising markets.
United KingdomTransport
Bech-Bruun
Bech-Bruun
Article

Hostile UAS Operations: Aviation Resilience And Liability

Recent drone incidents at Leipzig/Halle Airport and in Lithuanian airspace have exposed critical vulnerabilities in European aviation security, raising complex questions about civil liability, State responsibility, and the adequacy of existing regulatory frameworks. As hostile UAS operations grow more sophisticated, airports and airlines must urgently reassess their contractual arrangements, insurance coverage, and operational resilience planning to address this evolving threat.
GlobalTransport
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

Section 431 Elections – What Are They And What Are The Tax Benefits?

When employers grant restricted securities to employees, understanding section 431 elections can significantly impact tax liabilities for both parties. This article examines how these elections work, the strict 14-day filing deadline, and demonstrates through detailed calculations why choosing to make this election could save substantial amounts in income tax and national insurance contributions.
United KingdomTax
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Article

FIFA World Cup 2026: Can English And Scottish Clubs Sign The Tournament’s Breakout Stars?

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 featuring a record 48 nations, clubs are eyeing emerging talent for summer transfers. However, standout performances alone don't guarantee that foreign players can sign with English or Scottish clubs—they must navigate complex visa requirements and governing body endorsement criteria. Understanding these regulatory pathways, from points-based assessments to discretionary exceptions, is just as crucial as identifying talent on the pitch.
GlobalImmigration
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn