Skyrora boosted by European Space Agency funding

The funding puts Skyrora on track to be the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe, delivering the UK’s space launch capability.

The funding, which is part of the ESA’s Boost! programme, will be used by Skyrora to complete the crucial technology required to deliver consistent orbital launches from the UK with Skyrora’s XL launch vehicle.

Skyrora XL is a 23m 56-tonne three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315kg into orbit. The vehicle is on course to be test-launched in 2022 from a UK spaceport.

This project plans to create over 170 high-skilled jobs in the UK.

Skyrora is ahead of any other UK launch company with its technology readiness, evidenced by four launches of its sounding rockets, static fire tests of its suborbital vehicle, and orbital third stage. Skyrora has established its comprehensive rocket engine testing and manufacturing facilities in Scotland.

Inspired by the UK’s historic Black Arrow programme, Skyrora is combining the UK’s engineering heritage with new technologies to enable the UK to regain its leading role in space - as a champion of environmental sustainability.

The production of Ecosene, Skyrora’s proprietary eco-fuel, will remove over 3,000 tons of unrecyclable plastic waste by 2030. Skyrora has also conducted several successful trials of Space Tug which is its solution for clearing debris and removing defunct satellites from orbit, enabling the UK to become a world leader in addressing space junk.

Skyrora’s innovations are helping to establish the UK space sector as a green industry while also opening up the utility of space to tackle climate change. Space technology contributes to the attainment of 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Volodymyr Levykin, founder and CEO of Skyrora, said: “This ESA contract will accelerate Skyrora’s progress on its journey to be the first to achieve the UK’s sovereign orbital launch.

I am delighted that the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency support our programme, which has, to date, delivered outstanding achievements - four successful launches, with two more ready for launch; the establishment of manufacturing and engine test facilities throughout Scotland; and the static fire test of our orbital third stage. ESA’s support, approved by the UK Space Agency through the Boost! programme will lead us to flight readiness of Skyrora XL in 2022.

ESA’s funding will allow us to complete the set up of our larger Engine Test Complex, complete our 70kN engine programme and static fire test fire the first and second stages of Skyrora XL.

Our pioneering work on championing environmental spaceflight, our proprietary eco-fuel and green innovations - together with the support of the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency - will help establish the UK not only as a world leader in space technology but the greenest space industry in the world too.”

www.skyrora.com