Rocket Company Gets Green Light For Launch Debris In North Sea

A Scottish marine authority has granted a license to a rocket company, HyImpulse, allowing them to dispose of debris in a designated area of the North Sea during launches from the SaxaVord Spaceport on the Shetland island of Unst [Shetland News].

The license, valid between August 1st and November 30th of this year, specifies a zone where rocket parts can fall after launch. This practice is standard in the space industry, as it's nearly impossible to retrieve all debris after liftoff.

Scottish-based HyImpulse, a launch company working with SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Shetland, and Orbex, planning to launch from Sutherland Spaceport, on the A’ Mhòine peninsula, will each receive over £3 million to enable spaceflight activities from UK spaceports. 

However, the environmental impact of such practices is a growing concern. Environmentalists have expressed worries about potential harm to marine life and the broader ecosystem.

HyImpulse, the company behind the launches, has not disclosed details about the nature of the debris or the potential risks involved. It's likely they will need to adhere to strict regulations to minimize environmental impact.

Co-CEO Christian Schmierer says, ‘We are looking forward to working with SaxaVord and expanding our operation in the UK for the work on propulsion development and testing, rocket structures and ground infrastructure in the coming months.”.’

HyImpulse CEO Mario Kobald adds, ‘Shetland Islands and SaxaVord Spaceport is an integral part of HyImpulse’ journey to space. We are in close collaboration with SaxaVord since 2021 and have been doing our flight motors qualification testing also on the islands. We are looking forward to do also our first rocket launches from SaxaVord Spaceport.’

Business Development Manager of SaxaVord Robin Huber says, “HyImpulse has been with us since 2021. We are happy to continue supporting their development towards orbital launches. They are a great partner that emphasizes SaxaVord's vision and pride as a European spaceport.”

The acquisition of the flight license from the CAA in United Kingdom underscores HyImpulse's readiness for this pioneering event.

HyImpulse is a launch services provider based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded with the goal to revolutionize access to space, HyImpulse’s sounding rocket SR75 and small launcher SL1 are powered by unique and proprietary hybrid propulsion systems. This disruptive technology enables HyImpulse to offer affordable, frequent, responsive, and safe access to space for small satellites and spacecrafts. SL1 has a payload capacity of400 kg to a 500 km SSO.

This development comes as SaxaVord Spaceport prepares for its first orbital launches. The approval of the debris disposal license paves the way for HyImpulse to move forward with its launch activities.