First flight HyImpulse Receives UK Launch Operator Licence

HyImpulse receives UK launch operator licence and SR75 is ready for first flight from European soil in spring 2027.

HyImpulse, a leading European manufacturer and system provider of commercial rockets for suborbital and orbital launch services, announced today that it has received its UK Launch Operator Licence, marking a major milestone for the company and a significant step toward strengthening Europe’s independent access to space. The licence establishes HyImpulse as a licensed launch operator in the United Kingdom and paves the way for the company’s first launch from European soil.

The licence grant marks the successful completion of a comprehensive regulatory review process and enables HyImpulse to conduct launch operations from the United Kingdom. It provides the framework for both the company's SR75 suborbital programme and future orbital launches of the SL1 launch vehicle from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. 

"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.”

Following licence approval, HyImpulse and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will now complete the operational implementation activities required before launch operations can commence and a launch authorisation is granted for the suborbital SR75. These remaining activities concern the establishment of monitoring processes, operational reporting mechanisms and verification activities required under the licence framework. Based on the current assessment of these remaining activities with the CAA and the seasonal weather conditions at SaxaVord Spaceport during autumn and winter, HyImpulse is preparing for the flight of its SR75 suborbital launch vehicle from European soil in spring 2027.

The SR75 is a lightweight, aerodynamically stabilised suborbital rocket designed for research and technology demonstration missions, including microgravity and hypersonic flight applications. With a lift-off mass of approximately 2.5 tonnes, an attitude control system during lift-off phase and aerodynamic stabilisation during flight, the vehicle operates within more restrictive wind limits than larger launch vehicles. During the autumn and winter months, these limits are frequently exceeded at SaxaVord Spaceport, making launch opportunities less frequent and potentially resulting in extended waiting periods for suitable launch conditions.

HyImpulse's larger SL1 orbital launch vehicle is expected to weigh more than 50 tonnes at lift-off and relies on thrust vector control throughout powered flight. As a result, it will be capable of operating under a substantially broader range of environmental conditions. 

"With the operator licence secured, the most important regulatory milestone has been achieved," said Dr. Schmierer. "SR75 is ready for flight, and our teams have completed the major technical and operational preparations required for launch. Our focus is now on completing the final activities within the licence framework in close coordination with the CAA and SaxaVord, while preparing for launch as soon as conditions allow. At the same time, we continue at full speed with the development of our orbital launch vehicle, SL1, to bring satellites to orbit."