Space / Further European support for space firms hoping to launch from SaxaVord
TWO SPACE industry start-ups hoping to launch from the SaxaVord spaceport next year have netted almost £20 million in funding from the European Space Agency’s Boost! programme.
The funding of 11.8 million Euros each to Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and HyImpulse comes at a crucial time ahead of launch.
ESA’s director of space transportations Toni Tolker-Nielson said: “Europe’s emerging commercial launch service providers are pushing towards their first launches.
“We are very interested to see their rockets deliver, diversifying the European launch services on offer.”
RFA suffered a setback in August when its RFA One rocket went up in flames during a hot fire test. The company has since said that it is confident to be back at the Unst launch site by February next year.
Co-founder and chief commercial officer Jörn Spurmann said: “RFA is excited about the growing support of Germany and the UK through ESA’s Boost! programme, which accelerates our mission to deliver cost-effective, flexible launch solutions.
“Boost! is a crucial investment in Europe’s future space access, driving competition and innovation across the sector.”
Meanwhile HyImpulse is hoping to carry out sub-orbital test launches from the SaxaVord site next year. The company has been carrying out propulsion tests with its hybrid fuel at the former Scatsta airfield for some time.
The company’s chief executive Christian Schmierer said: “This contract extension represents a strong vote of confidence in HyImpulse and an investment in Europe’s future as a competitive force in space.
“With the support of ESA, we will advance the development of our SL1 rocket, delivering a cost-efficient launch solution to address the growing demand for small satellite launches.”
The ESA contract extension package is worth a total of 44.2 million euros in total with funding also going to Isar Aerospace and Orbex, which plans to launch from the Sutherland Spaceport.
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