Ross-shire rocket launch as spaceport plans take off

Skyrora’s team launched its Skylark Nano projectile yesterday but it plans to go to higher altitude next time
Skyrora’s team launched its Skylark Nano projectile yesterday but it plans to go to higher altitude next time

A commercial rocket was launched for the first time in Scotland as part of efforts to gain work at a planned spaceport in the Highlands.

Skyrora’s 9ft projectile, called Skylark Nano, reached altitudes of almost four miles after taking off at the Kildermorie Estate in Ross-shire. It accelerated to more than 110mph. The Edinburgh-based rocket developer was trialling technology for use on full-scale vehicles, as it bids for a contract at the planned facility.

Daniel Smith, director of Skyrora’s business development, said: “This was a small but important step for us in our bid to become the go-to satellite launch provider at a future Scottish spaceport.

“Huge positives can be taken from this: from the success of our portable ground control systems, trajectory analysis and