Rocket Factory Augsburg ‘Boost!’ extension in run-up to first launch

3 min read · reported by ESA

In brief

In-depth

RFA One is an orbital vehicle with three stages launching from its SaxaVord launch pad in the UK. At about 30 m tall and 2.15 m in diameter, the rocket, in current configuration, targets a deployment capability of up to 500 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. The RFA One launcher is being developed in Augsburg, Germany, with an initial Boost! co-funding committed by ESA in 2022 .

SaxaVord Spaceport

The contract amendment provides an additional €2.7 million of ESA co-funding to infrastructure and testing capabilities at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, UK.

The ESA Boost! programme contribution draws on funding from the UK Space Agency and is equalled by investment from RFA as the company prepares for its first test launch.

The contract extension will also help towards implementing an engine test stand change at SaxaVord Spaceport allowing RFA to conduct hot-fire tests of their Helix 1.0 engines.

The second stage for RFA One will also be tested at SaxaVord Spaceport under the contract extension – implementing a modification to the test stand to accept the RFA One second stages before launch.

Getting ready for flight

The contract extension supports preparations for RFA’s upcoming Test Flight-1 and the following Test Flight-2.

UK Space Minister Baroness Lloyd said, “This investment in Rocket Factory Augsburg is a strong vote of confidence in the UK’s growing space sector. By supporting launch infrastructure at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, the government is helping to strengthen the UK’s position as a leading destination for European launch activity. This contract extension demonstrates the momentum building behind the UK’s launch ambitions, and I look forward to seeing RFA One take a major step towards its first flight from British soil.”

“We are grateful for the UK Space Agency's continued confidence in RFA and its strong support as we move towards the first test flight of RFA One from Scotland. We also appreciate the European Space Agency's pivotal role in managing the Boost! programme, which has been instrumental in accelerating our progress and enabling the development of a new European launch capability. This funding helps us maintain momentum towards first flight while preparing for future launch operations from European territory. We look forward to expanding our activities in the UK, strengthening our collaboration with local partners, and contributing to the long-term growth of the UK's space ecosystem,” says Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Development Officer at Rocket Factory Augsburg.

“This extension provides further support as RFA progresses towards its first test flight” says ESA’s Jorgen Bru, “this co-funding focuses on capabilities that are essential for safe flight operations at the SaxaVord Spaceport for the first test flights and to strengthen the foundation for ramp up. By supporting the development of new European launch services, ESA is helping strengthen Europe’s independent and competitive access to space.”

The first RFA One is already at Saxavord Spaceport with hot-fire tests of the complete rocket on the launch pad coming soon, followed by the launch of Test Flight-1.

ESA’s ‘Boost!’ programme awards commercial initiatives that offer transportation services to space, in space, and returning from space. The programme also supports Member States implementing national objectives for spaceports, testing facilities and more.

RFA is also one of the contenders in the European Launcher Challenge receiving ESA support for its ramp-up phases to accelerate launch service deployment and increase payload capacity.

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Published by the European Space Agency. View the original →