Rocket Factory Augsburg - AEE

Overview

To carry out spaceflight activity in the UK spaceport and launch operators must be licensed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

As part of their licence application, spaceport and launch operators are required to submit an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE). The purpose of the AEE is to ensure applicants have adequately considered any potential environmental effects of their intended activities and, if necessary have taken steps to avoid, mitigate or offset the risks and their potential effects. 

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) are applying for a launch operator licence. This consultation sets out their AEE: 

• Volume I (Non-Technical Summary) & II
• Volume III (AEE Drawings)
• Volume IV (Technical Appendices)

The proposals are for RFA to undertake up to 10 launches per year from SaxaVord Spaceport, located on the northeast of Unst, Shetland Islands. All launches will take place in a northerly direction over the sea. The launch system, assessed for the purposes of the AEE, consists of the preparation and vertical launch of the RFA ONE NOM launch vehicle.

The RFA ONE NOM is approximately 40.5 metres long and 3.3 metres in diameter and is a three-stage liquid fuelled launch vehicle. The orbital launch vehicle will be operated to launch small satellites into a variety of orbits.  

For spaceport and launch operator licenses the CAA must take into account the applicant’s assessments and the proposed measures to mitigate any significant environmental effects before a recommendation for approval can be granted. 

More information on the CAA’s approach to public consultation can be found by reading the following guidance document (CAP2352).