RFA UK has received £3.5m from the UK and European Space Agency to support its satellite launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.
The funding awarded for the satellite launch is part of ESA’s Boost! programme, aiming to help companies develop new launch technologies and bring them to the market.
The announcement comes as George Freeman, UK Science Minister, visited SaxaVord Spaceport to see the progress made at the site.
What will the funding be used for?
RFA UK will use the funding to develop and operate the infrastructure needed for the satellite launch and to test equipment. The company is planning to launch in Q2 2024.
About 90 skilled jobs are expected to be created locally when the spaceport reaches operational capability. This includes spaceport operations and administration, integration, testing, and launch.
George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “This £3.5m 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.”
Exclusive access to SaxaVord’s satellite launch pad
RFA UK, a Rocket Factory Augsburg AG subsidiary, is headquartered in Grantown-on-Spey in Scotland.
RFA AF will have exclusive access to SaxaVord’s ‘Fredo’ launch pad. As one of the spaceport’s anchor customers, the company plans to provide regular launch services.
About RFA’s launch vehicle
The RFA ONE launch vehicle measures 30 metres tall and two metres wide. It is a three-stage launch vehicle that can deploy up to 1,300kg to a 500km polar orbit.
The rocket uses efficient and sustainable Helix staged-combustion engines, stainless steel tanks, and standardised components from other industries. These parts offer flexible, low-cost, and precise transportation into orbit with its Redshift OTV.
Jörn Spurmann, Managing Director, RFA UK and Chief Commercial Officer, RFA AG, said: “With the UK contributing as the third nation to the RFA ONE development via C-STS Boost!, we solidify our role as a genuine European launch service provider and the most endorsed commercial launch service development within the C-STS Boost! Programme. We are absolutely delighted to reciprocate this faith and support.”
Support for planned satellite launches
RFA UK was set up to implement and operate test equipment to support RFA AG’s planned launches from SaxaVord Spaceport.
The UK Space Agency has also provided other funding to support launch activities. This includes £23.4m in two separate grants to Lockheed Martin to establish launch operations from SaxaVord Spaceport.
The funding will also be used to build a small launch orbital manoeuvring vehicle in Reading. This vehicle will launch on Lockheed Martin’s pathfinder launch from the site.
