A SCOTTISH space company is a step closer to becoming the first to launch from Europe after receiving €3 million (£2.5m) of funding from the European Space Agency (ESA).
Skyrora, which is headquartered in Edinburgh with a test complex in Fife, will use the funding from the ESA’s Boost! programme to complete the technological work to deliver consistent orbital launches from the UK with its XL launch vehicle.
Launching satellites from Europe will also put the company on track to deliver the UK’s sovereign space launch capability.
Skyrora XL is a 23-metre, three-stage rocket weighing in at 56 tonnes and capable of carrying up to 315kg into orbit. It is on course to be test-launched next year from a UK spaceport in a project that plans to create more than 170 highly skilled jobs.
Skyrora claims to be ahead of any other UK launch company with its technology readiness, and has also established comprehensive rocket engine testing and manufacturing facilities in Scotland.
Volodymyr Levykin, company founder and CEO, 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.”
Inspired by the UK’s historic Black Arrow programme, Skyrora said it was combining the UK’s engineering heritage with new technologies to enable the country to regain its leading role in space.
The production of Ecosene, the firm’s proprietary eco-fuel, will remove more than 3000 tonnes 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.
Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an adviser to Skyrora, added: “Independent access to space is vital for the UK to realise the full potential of its space industry and this exciting announcement for Skyrora brings us a big step closer to achieving that goal.
“Skyrora is bringing innovation and growth to the space sector, whilst setting new benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions.”
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