In a groundbreaking development for the UK’s space industry, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted the German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) the first licence for a vertical rocket launch from UK soil.
This milestone marks a significant step towards establishing an independent, competitive space access capability in Europe.
Europe has long relied on launching satellites and spacecraft from spaceports outside the continent, primarily the European Space Agency’s facility in French Guiana. This dependence has posed challenges regarding cost, flexibility, and autonomy in space operations. Establishing domestic launch capabilities has been a key goal for many European nations seeking to enhance their space competitiveness.
RFA, a German startup founded in 2018, has been at the forefront of developing cost-effective and sustainable launch solutions.
Their flagship rocket, RFA One, is a 30-meter-tall, three-stage vehicle designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,300 kg to sun-synchronous orbits.
RFA One
RFA One incorporates several innovative technologies to achieve its cost and performance goals:
- Stainless steel tankage: RFA uses the same grade of stainless steel in brewing tanks, leveraging the material’s strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Industrial-grade components: By adapting off-the-shelf components from other industries, such as valves from welding robots, RFA reduces development costs and increases reliability.
- Advanced manufacturing techniques: RFA employs state-of-the-art 3D printing and friction stir welding to produce key components, enabling rapid prototyping and optimization.
The rocket’s first stage is powered by nine Prometheus engines, which use liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants. The second stage features a single Prometheus engine, while the third stage uses a smaller, pressure-fed engine for precise orbital insertions.
RFA’s path to securing the launch licence was not without challenges. In August 2022, during a static fire test at SaxaVord Spaceport, the first stage of an RFA One rocket caught fire and exploded. This setback prompted a comprehensive review and redesign of the affected systems.
Since then, RFA has completed new critical tests, including a full-duration fire of the first stage and multiple ignitions of the upper stages. These demonstrations, extensive documentation, and safety analyses satisfied the CAA’s licensing requirements.
The granting of the launch licence to RFA represents a pivotal moment for the UK’s space ambitions. It paves the way for the first orbital launch from UK territory, showcasing the country’s ability to support a full range of space activities.
This milestone aims to attract further investment, create high-skilled jobs, and stimulate the UK’s space sector’s growth. On a European level, RFA’s achievements signal a new era of independence and competitiveness in space access. By enabling flexible, responsive, and cost-effective launches from within Europe, RFA is helping to secure the continent’s position as a major player in the global space race. This capability will be crucial for deploying and replenishing satellite constellations, conducting scientific missions, and supporting the growing space economy.
With the launch licence in hand, RFA is now finalizing preparations for its inaugural mission from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is targeted for later this year. While exact details have not been disclosed, the launch is expected to carry a payload for a European customer, demonstrating the viability of RFA’s services.
As anticipation builds for this historic event, the eyes of the space community will be closely watching RFA’s progress. A successful maiden flight will validate RFA’s technology and mark the beginning of a new chapter in European spaceflight. It will showcase the UK’s emergence as a space-faring nation and underscore Europe’s determination to chart its course in the final frontier.
TLDR:
– German startup RFA granted UK’s first vertical rocket launch licence
– RFA One rocket to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands
– Milestone represents a major step towards independent European space access
– Successful launch will attract investment, create jobs, and boost UK space sector
– Europe poised to become more competitive and self-reliant in space operations
