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last mo.

Skyrora Secures U.K. Licence for Skylark L, First Flight Slips to 2026

Pad unavailability at SaxaVord has prompted Skyrora to explore sites in Sutherland, Norway or Australia for its inaugural suborbital mission.

Skyrora’s Skylark L suborbital rocket undergoes a static fire test, part of preparations for its first U.K. launch.
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A computer-generated image of a rocket taking off from Lamba Ness on Unst

Overview

  • The Civil Aviation Authority licence, granted on August 4, authorises up to 16 Skylark L suborbital launches carrying 50 kg payloads from SaxaVord.
  • SaxaVord Spaceport has no launch pads free this year, making a UK-based flight in 2025 unlikely and moving Skyrora’s debut into 2026.
  • Delays in Skyrora’s licence approval allowed Danish rival Orbex to secure the slots it had reserved at SaxaVord, heightening competition for scarce infrastructure.
  • Skyrora is now evaluating alternative launch sites, including the vacated Sutherland spaceport as well as locations in Norway and Australia.
  • The company is simultaneously advancing its bid for an orbital licence to launch its larger, three-stage Skyrora XL vehicle.