Scotland’s space programme has lift-off - with the first suborbital rocket launch of its kind in Shetland.
Edinburgh -based boffins at Skyrora successfully launched its Skylark Nano from remote Fethaland Peninsula at North Roe on Saturday.
The firm ultimately plans to launch small commercial satellites into orbit from one of the three proposed spaceports in Scotland.
Head of launch Robin Hague said: “We’re ecstatic and truly proud - the launch signifies a vital step towards Skyrora’s ambitions to become the UK’s “go-to” satellite launch provider.”
The Shetland launch is seen as a crucial step towards an island-based launch pad to send a Skyrora XL into orbit carrying satellites that can be used to monitor environmental issues.
Hague added: “To understand the local launch conditions, learning more about the wind profiles in Shetland is critical.
“Skylark Nano’s third successive launch is testament to the engineers who have worked tirelessly to bring to life a reusable rocket that can provide valuable intelligence for the future of the UK space programme.”
Reaching nearly four miles high, Saturday’s launch was the third time the six-and-a-half foot rocket took to the skies.
It comes after Skyrora engineers successfully completed a full static fire test on their Skylark-L launch vehicle last month.
Volodymyr Levykin, Skyrora CEO, said: “With this successful launch from Shetland we are further closing the gap to making the UK a rocket launching nation again.
“For Skyrora this test was all about learning and training. The innovation at Skyrora is enormous.
“Not only are we producing high quality results, but we are doing so with minimum impact to the environment as we strive to develop eco-friendly technology in our launches.”
The first launch of Skylark Nano’s took place in Ross-shire in summer 2018 - as the firm strives to develop cutting-edge research and technology.
They aim to create 170 jobs by the end of 2023 by developing launch vehicle technology that builds on previous rocket systems to slash costs.
Levykin added: “At a time of such uncertainty it is important we keep focusing on ingenuity and enterprise.
“We hope reaching space will inspire the whole nation and show the younger generation what the future of UK Space holds.”
