THE Shetland Island of Unst could host the first launch of a space rocket from British soil after winning regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) expects to launch the 30m three-stage RFA One this year from the privately owned SaxaVord Spaceport on Britain’s most northerly island.

The CAA’s Rob Bishton said granting the licence “builds towards a historic milestone for the nation.”