Skyrora's UK Suborbital Launch Set for 2025

Scotland-based Skyrora is making significant strides towards launching its first suborbital mission from British soil, with plans set for spring 2025. This anticipated launch follows a challenging year filled with regulatory delays that have impacted its launching schedule. The mission carries considerable importance, as it represents not only Skyrora's progress but also the broader advancements in the U.K. space sector.

Overview of Skyrora and Its Mission

Skyrora's Skylark L rocket, measuring 11 meters in length, aims to reach suborbital altitudes. The company previously attempted to launch this rocket from Iceland in October 2022, but fell short by approximately 700 meters from the Karman line. This was the first flight for the Skylark L, which is designed for suborbital missions.

The company attributed the failure of the previous launch to a software glitch, which they identified two months post-launch. As they prepare for a renewed attempt, expectations are high, as this mission is not merely about showcasing the Skylark but also about de-risking its more formidable rocket, the Skyrora XL. The Skyrora XL is a three-stage rocket that has the capability of placing payloads into orbits between 500 and 1,000 kilometers above Earth.

Regulatory Journey

In August 2022, Skyrora submitted an application to the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a license to conduct spaceflight operations from the Saxavord Spaceport located in Scotland's Shetland Islands. At that time, the CAA indicated to Skyrora that they expected the licensing process to take between nine to eighteen months.

However, the CAA requested additional documentation from Skyrora in September 2023—specifically, a supplementary application regarding the Skylark L. According to Alan Thompson, Skyrora's head of government affairs, this request for further documentation indicates that the initial licensing process has been less straightforward than anticipated.

Expectations and Timeline

Initially, Skyrora believed that obtaining permission to launch a smaller suborbital rocket would be a simple task. Yet, as time progressed, the complexity of compliance became apparent, leading to an adjusted timeline. By April 2024, expectations were set to receive the necessary licensing by mid-December 2024, with an eye toward a launch in spring 2025.

The Impact of SaxaVord Spaceport

SaxaVord Spaceport, which became the first U.K. vertical spaceport to secure a CAA license last year, exemplifies the expanding opportunities in the British space industry. The spaceport is anticipated to support up to 30 launches annually, paving the way for various operators to take advantage of the evolving landscape.

Despite the challenges faced by Skyrora, including the setbacks from previous launches, opportunities for further collaboration appear promising. The company aims to partner with numerous commercial entities interested in suborbital flights for scientific research, technology development, and other innovative pursuits.

The Broader Regulatory Environment

While SaxaVord Spaceport has secured an operational license, the current regulatory framework has indicated additional complexities for new and emerging spaceports across the U.K. For example, the CAA has a standardized licensing process that has yet to be fully adapted for suborbital launches, which are becoming more prominent in the global space economy.

This wide-ranging oversight from the CAA emphasizes the need for thorough assessments, particularly around safety, environmental impact, and maritime risk assessments related to splashdowns. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is tasked with this oversight, and it will be critical for Skyrora to meet these requirements for their suborbital launches.

Environmental Assessment

One of the required components for launching from Saxavord is a complete navigational risk assessment concerning the projected splashdown area off Scotland's coast. As Thompson pointed out, this requirement was somewhat unexpected, as the company was under the impression the assessment could use data already submitted for the environmental effects review previously conducted for the spaceport.

The MMO’s evaluation will address various post-splashdown scenarios. This includes how the rockets might behave upon re-entry and the potential environmental effects of recovery operations should they be necessary.

Commercial Opportunities and Future Prospects

This spring 2025 launch is an opportunity for Skyrora to demonstrate its capabilities with the Skylark L, but perhaps more importantly, it stands to establish its footprint in the suborbital space sector. Skyrora sees substantial revenue potential from flights involving short periods of microgravity, catering to a diverse clientele that ranges from academia to tech development firms.

Furthermore, Skyrora XL is designed to serve as a substantial platform for a larger commercial opportunity. It will utilize the telemetry and onboard systems engineered during the Skylark L mission, allowing for efficient development and integration of technologies necessary for future orbital launches.

Conclusion

As Skyrora prepares for its spring 2025 launch, the company stands at a pivotal moment in its development. Success in this venture will not only fortify its position in the U.K. space industry but also contribute significantly to the growing suborbital launch market. Navigating through complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring comprehensive safety measures remain in place will be crucial as the company moves forward.

Future Events and Engagements

As developments continue, Skyrora is keen on engaging with stakeholders and potential clients at various space events, contributing to discussions geared towards innovation and collaboration within the commercial space sector.

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Source: SpaceNews