Today: Feb 12, 2025

Rocket Factory UK Secures £3.5 Million Funding for SaxaVord Spaceport Launch

1 year ago

RFA UK, a satellite launch company and subsidiary of Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA AG), is to receive a  £3.5 million investment from the UK Space Agency. This funding is crucial for the realization of their plans to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, Scotland.

George Freeman, the UK’s Minister for Science and Technology, visited SaxaVord Spaceport to coincide with this announcement. During his visit, he inspected the progress of the site’s construction and engaged with key figures from RFA UK.

The funding is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Boost! Programme, designed to facilitate innovative launch technology development and its introduction to the market.

Headquartered in Grantown-on-Spey, RFA UK intends to use the funding to establish and operate the necessary infrastructure and testing equipment required for launching the RFA ONE satellite rockets from SaxaVord Spaceport.

The RFA ONE rocket stands at an impressive 30 meters in height and 2 meters in width, a three-stage launch vehicle with the capability to deploy payloads of up to 1,300 kg into a 500 km polar orbit. Notable for its efficient and environmentally friendly Helix staged-combustion engines, stainless steel tanks, and utilization of standardized components from other industries, this rocket marks a significant advancement in launch technology.

Jörn Spurmann, Managing Director of RFA UK and Chief Commercial Officer at RFA AG, expressed his enthusiasm: “The support received from the UK Space Agency underscores their strong confidence in our approach. We are eagerly anticipating our inaugural orbital launch in mainland Europe from the SaxaVord Spaceport on British territory.”

George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, emphasized the government’s commitment to the UK space sector, stating, “Through our c£1.5 billion UK space funding programs, the Government is backing satcomms technology, space science, missions, and infrastructure to support the commercial satellite sector. This £3.5 million investment will enable RFA UK to develop the technologies necessary to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, creating dozens of jobs locally and growing the Scottish cluster as a key part of the UK space sector.”

It is anticipated that approximately 90 skilled jobs will be generated in the region, contributing to the growth of the Scottish space industry.

SaxaVord Spaceport, located on the UK’s northernmost island, Unst in Shetland, is progressing toward its goal of becoming a comprehensive hub for space activities. The spaceport is developing a ground station network to support satellite operations in various orbits. This network includes antennas of various sizes and frequencies and will provide hosting services for third-party networks in need of connectivity, power, and pad facilities.

To ensure the seamless operation of its satellite services, SaxaVord Spaceport has partnered with the Leaf Space Ground station network, aiming to support launch telemetry, flight termination, and satellite uplink and downlink services through an extensive network of over 20 ground stations worldwide. The spaceport’s commitment extends beyond launch operations, actively expanding its facilities and services to support its partners’ success and development, with a focus on sustainability.

SaxaVord Spaceport is also constructing a satellite payload processing facility (PPF) in collaboration with Plastron UK, specialists in space engineering safety. This facility, equipped with clean rooms and an airlock, will operate with minimal downtime and reduced carbon emissions. It is set to accommodate advanced payloads, with the first orbital satellite launch expected later this year. The facility’s HVAC system, designed by Plastron, will optimize cleanroom performance and significantly reduce energy consumption, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.

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