Skyrora is preparing to launch its Skylark L rocket in the spring of 2025. In contrast to the previous launch, this one is to be performed from the Saxavord Spaceport, located on the islands near the UK.
Skyrora is preparing for a new launch
Skyrora, a Scottish company founded by Ukrainian-born Volodymyr Levykin, is preparing to renew its attempts to reach space. According to published statements, they are expected to attempt to re-launch their Skylark L suborbital rocket as early as spring 2025.
Skylark L is only 11 meters long. But it is capable of lifting 60 kg of payload and altitudes above 100 km. This limit is called the Karman line, and it is considered the limit of space. Therefore, the Skyrora rocket can be seen as a budget replacement for good space missions for scientists exploring the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
In October 2022, Skyrora already tried to overcome this boundary. However, Skylark L, launched from Iceland, failed to reach the Karman Line by 700 meters. So, company officials now expect another attempt to claim its ability to become a space operator.
Launch licensing
Unlike the previous one, the new launch of Skylark L is to be carried out from the territory of Great Britain. The Saxavord Spaceport is located on the Shetland Islands near the northern coast of the kingdom. And a main question for Skyrora is related to this. The company must obtain a license from the aviation authority.
This became known back in 2023, and the company spent all of this year filing and waiting for it to be accepted. According to Skyrora officials, they should have the permit as early as December. They must also get a Coastguard Agency certification that the launch will not damage maritime navigation.
In general, the Saxavord Spaceport is a very important project for the UK. Not only Skyrora should launch from it. So, a rocket assembled at the German plant in Augsburg was supposed to launch from it as early as this year, but an explosion during ground testing prevented those plans.
Skyrora XL rocket
The launch of Skylark L is very important for the company because it paves the way for testing the Skyrora XL carrier. It is much larger than Skylark L and can launch payloads to orbits of 500 and even 100 km altitude.
Company officials say they are ready to complete ground testing of the second of three Skyrora XL engines. The assembly of the first test model of this rocket is expected to be completed in mid-2025.
Provided by spacenews.com
