UK Gov boosts Rocket Factory Augsburg plans for Shetland Islands

Specifically, the money – via the European Space Agency’s Boost! programme – will be received by the UK subsidiary of the Bavarian company, which will have exclusive access to the site’s Launch Pad Fredo for orbital launches.

“The support received from the UK Space Agency underscores their strong confidence in our approach,” said Jörn Spurmann, managing director of RFA UK and chief commercial officer of RFA AG. “We are eagerly anticipating our inaugural orbital launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport in the UK.”

“This event will further cement our position as the pioneers in European commercial spaceflight. At the same time, it demonstrates the unwavering confidence the European Space Agency has in our strategy. 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.”

It’s anticipated that around 90 skilled jobs will be created locally when the spaceport achieves full operational capability, including spaceport operations and administration, integration, testing and launch.

Unst

The German startup is developing a three-stage RFA One orbital launch vehicle and the spaceport – located on the Lamba Ness peninsula site in Unst – will be hosting the debut launch of the RFA ONE rocket, which is scheduled for 2Q 2024. The company successfully completed its upper stage hot fire test in June of 2023.

“Our investment in Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) UK demonstrates our continued commitment to make the UK Europe’s leading destination for launch by encouraging the development of launch companies,” said Matt Archer, Director of Launch, UK Space Agency.

“This contract will help RFA UK and SaxaVord Spaceport prepare for their first launch, creating high skilled jobs and supporting Government’s vision for the UK to be Europe’s most attractive launch destination by 2030.”

For the government’s part, the UK science minister George Freeman highlighted its space-related programmes.

“Through our £1.5 billion UK space funding programmes, the Government is backing satcomms technology, space science, missions and infrastructure to support the commercial satellite sector,” said Freeman.

“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.”

Launch rail

Back in December, SaxaVord Spaceport announced partnerships with Lerwick Engineering and Fabrication (LEF) and T12 Consultancy to deliver a rocket launch rail, the critical component for directing launch vehicles and allow for suborbital launches.

Previously, in July 2022, it had completed a test exercise at its site, “Operation Freya”, up to the point of launch.

Shetland Islands

Note that Space News reports that RFA still needs the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to approve orbital missions from SaxaVord. This is significant, as the Virgin Orbit launch from Cornwall was put back due to lack of CAA approval.

Pictured above is the SaxaVord Spaceport, on the Shetland Islands, where the RFA ONE micro launcher will be located.

Image: Rocket Factory Augsburg

See also: KKR backs Rocket Factory Augsburg for Scottish Spaceport launches