HyImpulse signs Saxavord launch licence
October 5, 2026

By Chris Forrester



The troubled UK Saxavord launch site in Scotland has had a tough year, but there’s better news in that a client, HyImpulse, has secured a UK Launch Operator Licence represents the culmination of a huge amount of detailed work by the HyImpulse team and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Saxavord said: “We congratulate everyone involved. [The] announcement is further evidence of the momentum building towards regular launch operations from SaxaVord.


The licence enables future launch operations from SaxaVord Spaceport and marks the completion of a comprehensive regulatory review process. “SR75 is ready for flight, and we are now working with the UK CAA and SaxaVord Space on the final operational activities ahead of our first SR75 launch from European soil, planned for spring 2027.”

“This licence is a major milestone for HyImpulse and validates years of work by our teams and partners,” said Dr. Christian Schmierer, CEO and Co-Founder of HyImpulse. “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 operations.”

Sue Kee, Head of Space Applications at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The UK has a strong and growing space ecosystem, with more companies, like HyImpulse, looking to develop and operate launch capabilities from here. We are working closely with the sector to enable an emerging launch industry that is safe, secure and sustainable.

Momentum continues to build towards vertical launch from the UK. We are in a significant and exciting period for the UK’s growing space sector.”

Scott Hammond, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “This is excellent news for HyImpulse and another milestone on the road to launch from SaxaVord. Securing a UK Launch Operator Licence represents the culmination of a huge amount of work by the HyImpulse team and the CAA, and we congratulate everyone involved.”