Augsburg, Germany, 11th April 2025 – The supervisory board of Rocket Factory Augsburg has appointed Prof. Dr. Indulis as the new chairman of the company’s management board. Prof. Dr. Kalnins succeeds Dr. Stefan Tweraser. With Prof. Dr. Kalnins comes an experienced space engineer to the company who will lead the way to the first launch… Continue reading Indulis Kalnins becomes new CEO at RFA
First licence for vertical orbital launches from European mainland Augsburg, Germany – January 16th, 2025. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a European leader in developing flexible and low-cost launch services, proudly announces that it has officially received its spaceflight operator licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In combination with the spaceport licence and the… Continue reading RFA receives launch licence from the UK
We’ve got one mission at Rocket Factory Augsburg: to provide cost-effective, flexible, and frequent access to space. At the heart of this mission is our RFA ONE launch vehicle. With three stages, innovative engine designs and a – for this rocket class – above-average payload capacity, it is built for maximum efficiency and performance. Our… Continue reading RFA ONE: The Most Comprehensive Guide to Our Launch Vehicle
Reaching the launch pad is a monumental milestone for any rocket company, but building the launch pad is an entirely different challenge. It is essential for launching a rocket, yet it often remains an unsung hero in the background. At Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), we’re dedicated to sharing the story of our “Stage Zero” and… Continue reading Standing on the shoulders of a giant: An overview of our launch pad
Meet Argo, our cost-effective space cargo capsule. Optimized for flexibility and reliability, Argo offers an end-to-end service at a low price point of just €150M. Led by RFA, the bidding consortium combines our expertise with that from Space Cargo Unlimited, along with partners like ATMOS Space Cargo to offer a fully reusable solution for the… Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Argo: Our Cost-Effective Cargo Capsule
Berlin, 23 November 2023 – Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and the German Space Agency in the German Aerospace Center (DLR) today announced the winners of the second round of the payload competition for German launcher systems at an event in Berlin. Eight customers with a total payload of 200kg will fly on the second test… Continue reading RFA flies eight customers on second flight
Launch service provider RFA UK (Rocket Factory Ltd) has received £3.5 million from the UK Space Agency. The funding was awarded as part of the European Space Agency (ESA), Boost! Programme. This makes RFA AG the most endorsed commercial launch service development within the C-STS Boost! Programme. RFA UK will use the funding to develop… Continue reading UK Space Agency supports RFA UK through BOOST!
An interview with former Director General of ESA, Jean-Jacques Dordain. Jean-Jacques Dordain is Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Rocket Factory Augsburg AG. Having been professionally involved in space travel since the 1970s, he brings a wealth of experience to the table and is a highly valued member of our RFA family. From his dreams… Continue reading “This is the day the European launcher sector will totally change.”
Rocket Factory Augsburg (short: RFA) offers flexible and low-cost launch services thus providing affordable access to space ATMOS Space Cargo develops reusable, modular, and highly scalable return space capsules for any scientific payload, experiment, or equipment Yuri develops modular bioreactors and incubators to be used in microgravity environments to develop and manufacture superior biotech products… Continue reading Three German NewSpace companies launch “Eva”, the world’s first end-to-end microgravity service for biotech research and product development
KKR will become a leading investor in RFA alongside the existing strategic investor OHB Investment comes after RFA’s successful completion of its upper stage hot fire test in May 2023, which was the first of its kind in Europe With the capital from KKR, RFA will bring its RFA ONE micro launcher to the launchpad… Continue reading RFA secures €30m investment from KKR
Binding term sheet for launches from Diamant launch site signed Paris, France – June 21, 2023. Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) has signed a binding term sheet with the French space agency CNES to offer its launch services from the Kourou Space Center (CSG) in French Guiana. RFA will launch from the… Continue reading RFA to launch from Kourou
First full duration hot fire of a staged-combustion stage in Europe Augsburg, Germany – June 2, 2023. Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) has successfully hot fired its upper stage for a full duration of 280 seconds. This marks the successful completion of the Integrated System Test (IST) campaign, in which a staged-combustion… Continue reading 280 seconds! RFA completes full duration upper stage hot fire
Smart iteration cycles and straight forward development Iteration is one of the most important aspects to make technical development fast, efficient and successful. RFA has a very original and unique way of keeping its iteration cycles short and moving quickly to further development steps. Technical progress thrives on an apparent contradiction: on the one hand,… Continue reading Iteration – the unique RFA way to success
We asked ChatGPT if spaceflight is necessary! And then we commented it. The hype around ChatGPT has been going around for some time now. So we decided to ask artificial intelligence if space travel is necessary. The generated article is surprisingly good, but (luckily?) it is not perfect – so we disagree or add in… Continue reading We asked ChatGPT if spaceflight is necessary!
Rocket Factory Augsburg’s first launch to take place from SaxaVord Spaceport SaxaVord Spaceport and RFA announce multi-year launch operations partnership Augsburg, Germany & London, UK, 11th January 2023 – Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) and SaxaVord Spaceport have today announced their launch operations partnership. RFA will have exclusive access to Launch… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg’s first launch to take place from SaxaVord Spaceport
Fully booked! DLR selects seven customers for RFA´s inaugural flight German government purchased 150 kg for each of the first two flights of RFA ONE Berlin – December 6, 2022 – Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) announced the winners of the microlauncher payload competition at an event in Berlin today.… Continue reading Fully booked! DLR selects seven customers for RFA´s inaugural flight
Europe stands – once again – at a crossroad. The Russian-Ukrainian crisis painfully demonstrated how quickly access to orbit can be lost. Now, only two options remain: either Europe renews its dependencies on the US and other foreign launchers, or finally decides to compete on its own, building up European capabilities that can compete in the international market. Let’s do the latter!
Precious Payload and Rocket Factory partner to offer upcoming RFA launches from Europe online via Launch.ctrl platform The agreement combines tested rideshare and space mission supply chain management expertise with an emerging launch provider for frequent, low-cost, and precise launches throughout Europe BREMEN – November 17, 2022 – At the SPACE TECH EXPO EUROPE,… Continue reading Precious Payload and Rocket Factory partner to offer upcoming RFA launches from Europe online via Launch.ctrl platform
RFA and DLR sign contract for Helix engine test site in Germany RFA to build and operate its own engine test stand on DLR premises in Lampoldshausen BREMEN – Nov. 16, 2022 – Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) announced at SPACE TECH EXPO EUROPE in Bremen that RFA will build… Continue reading RFA and DLR sign contract for Helix engine test site in Germany
RFA and Digantara sign Memorandum of Understanding SSA constellation to be launch in Q4 2024 Paris, 21th September 2022 – Digantara Research and Technologies Private Limited (Digantara) and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their partnership in the areas of launch procurement and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Under… Continue reading RFA and Digantara sign Memorandum of Understanding
Spaceflight Inc. and Rocket Factory Partner to Fly Sherpa OTVs on Future RFA Launches from Europe Agreement combines rideshare and last-mile delivery expertise with emerging small launcher for frequent, cost-effective launches throughout Europe AUGSBURG / PARIS – September 19, 2022 – At the International Astronautical Congress 2022 (IAC), Spaceflight Inc., the leading global launch services… Continue reading Spaceflight Inc. and Rocket Factory Partner to Fly Sherpa OTVs on Future RFA Launches from Europe
Rocket Factory signs Boost! program contract with ESA ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander (left) and RFA Chief Commercial Officer Jörn Spurmann (right). Paris, September 13, 2022 – Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) officially signs the contract with ESA under the Boost! – ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support program. Both parties are… Continue reading Rocket Factory signs contract with ESA for Boost! Program
With the advent of mega-satellite constellations like SpaceX´s Starlink, who plan to launch more than 12,000 satellites, space debris is increasingly becoming an issue. Satellites break, lose control capability, or have to be turned off. In addition, anti-satellite tests generated large clouds of debris in space, even endangering the lives of astronauts on the ISS. We urgently need clear and internationally valid rules and regulations regarding space debris. And furthermore, innovative ideas on how we can actively remove space debris. RFA proposes three approaches to solving this pressing problem.
RFA successfully hot fires Helix engine for a total of 74 seconds Launch services provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG has tested its staged combustion Helix engine for the first time for a total duration of 74 seconds. This marks the successful completion of the first test campaign of the Helix flight configuration and confirms RFA’s… Continue reading RFA succesfully hot fires Helix engine for a total of 74 seconds
In November 2022, the next UN World Climate Conference will take place in Egypt. And it will reconfirm what we have known for years: Something has to change. And we can change something – from space. Data from satellites in low-earth orbit allow us to conduct comprehensive real-time research on the climate, make informed decisions and take action. Small launch vehicles from Europe make it possible to transport these satellites and thus form the foundation of an ecological space travel, called Green New Space.
RFA wins 11 million Euros in the DLR microlauncher competition Berlin, Germany, April 25, 2022 – Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) wins the 2022 round of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) microlauncher competition. The prize values 11 million Euros. As a result, the German government will be an anchor customer of RFA ONE. Payload of up… Continue reading RFA wins 11 million Euros in the DLR microlauncher competition
“Helix” – public names RFA engine The public could propose names for the RFA engine and vote in two rounds Augsburg, Germany, March 10, 2022 – The staged combustion engine of Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is given the name “Helix”. This name was suggested by two fans from the USA as part of RFA´s #NameOurEngine… Continue reading “Helix” – public names RFA engine
RFA and Southern Launch sign agreement for launch facilities Singapore, 10. February 2022 – Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), Europe’s leading launch service provider, has partnered with Southern Launch, a South Australian rocket launch facility provider. The partnership allows for the German launcher RFA ONE to be launched from Southern Launch’s Whalers Way Orbital Launch… Continue reading RFA and Southern Launch sign agreement for launch facilities
RFA launches campaign #NameOurEngine Augsburg, Germany, 1. February 2022 – Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is the first aerospace company in the world to put the naming of its rocket engine in the hands of the public. Starting today, anyone can submit their name suggestions online at www.rfa.space/nameourengine as part of the #NameOurEngine campaign. After an… Continue reading RFA launches campaign #NameOurEngine
Maiden flight of RFA ONE to launch LRS´s mission Bremen, Germany, 18.11.2021 – Lunar Research Service (LRS) and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) have agreed on a launch service contract. According to this, RFA will fly a research mission of Ukraine-based LRS with its RFA ONE micro launcher into low-Earth orbit. The flight, which will… Continue reading Maiden flight of RFA ONE to launch LRS´s mission
Morpheus and RFA sign Memorandum of Understanding Bremen, Germany, Nov. 16, 2021 – Morpheus Space, the world’s most scalable and efficient propulsion systems supplier enabling autonomous mobility in space, and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) Europe’s leading launch service provider, have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation. The two companies will work closely… Continue reading Morpheus and RFA sign Memorandum of Understanding
Lúnasa and RFA sign Memorandum of Understanding RFA joins forces with Lúnasa to provide flexible and cost-effective in-orbit services Augsburg, Germany, 16.11.2021 – Lúnasa Ltd. and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding. The two companies are thus consolidating their partnership in the field of space logistics to offer small… Continue reading Lúnasa and RFA sign Memorandum of Understanding
Plus Ultra Space Outpost and RFA sign agreement for GTO launch First lunar constellation satellite to travel to the Moon in 2023 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 October 2021 – Plus Ultra Space Outpost (Plus Ultra) and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) have jointly signed an agreement for launching a demonstrator mission to the Moon.… Continue reading Plus Ultra Space Outpost and RFA sign agreement for GTO launch
Neutron Star Systems and RFA sign agreement for demonstrator mission Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 27, 2021 – Neutron Star Systems UG (NSS) and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) have jointly signed an agreement for launching a demonstrator mission into low Earth orbit. RFA will launch Neutron Star Systems demonstrator mission in Q3 2023 on… Continue reading Neutron Star Systems and RFA sign agreement for demonstrator mission
Rocket Factory Augsburg and SENER Aeroespacial sign launch service agreement Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 26, 2021 – SENER Aeroespacial and Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) have agreed on a launch service contract. As a result, SENER Aeroespacial will launch its E.T.PACK technology demonstrator with the RFA ONE micro launcher. SENER Aeroespacial will launch… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg and SENER Aeroespacial sign launch service agreement
CST and RFA to offer unique orbits with new partnership Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 25, 2021 – German-based launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and UK-based launch broker Commercial Space Technologies (CST) have solidified their partnership with an MoU. Both CST, the world’s longest-standing launch broker, and RFA, Europe’s technology leader for launch… Continue reading CST and RFA to offer unique orbits with new partnership
Dr. Stefan Tweraser becomes new CEO of Rocket Factory Augsburg Augsburg, 22.10.2021 – Dr. Stefan Tweraser is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) as of October 1st 2021. The 51-year-old Austrian will support RFA in further driving the company’s growth. Previously, Stefan Tweraser was responsible for the DACH… Continue reading Dr. Stefan Tweraser becomes new CEO of Rocket Factory Augsburg
RFA hosts panel of space industry experts discussing staged combustion. Augsburg, 15.09.2021 – Last Monday the Rocket Factory Augsburg hosted an event on the importance of rocket engines with staged combustion for European space travel. After a short introduction movie and keynotes by the two co-founders Jörn Spurmann and Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, the highlight of… Continue reading RFA hosts panel of space industry experts discussing staged combustion
RFA engine reaches next milestone. Launch service provider RFA tests its staged combustion engine for the first time for eight seconds, confirming its technology leadership in new-space launch vehicles Augsburg, Germany – 23th July 2021 – Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG has successfully tested its entire engine with staged combustion over eight seconds.… Continue reading RFA engine reaches next milestone
RFA expands to Portugal to press ahead launcher development. Inauguration of RFA Portugal offices in Matosinhos and signature of agreement with AICEP with Jorge Cabral (CEiiA), Francisca Guedes de Oliveira (AICEP), and Jörn Spurmann (RFA) Augsburg, Germany – June 30 , 2021 – RFA Portugal Unipessoal LDA, a subsidiary of Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA),… Continue reading RFA expands to Portugal to press ahead launcher development
RFA successfully tests full-scale staged combustion engine. Launch service provider RFA fires full-scale staged combustion engine for first time in Europe and secures its position as technological leader in the new space launch vehicle domain. Augsburg, Germany, 21.06.2021 Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg has demonstrated its technological leadership with its successful firing tests of… Continue reading RFA successfully tests full-scale staged combustion engine
Rocket Factory Augsburg secures launch site in Andøya, Norway. Next to RFA ONE’s maiden flight, the site will host more missions beyond 2023 Augsburg, 28.04.2021 Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has signed a contract with Norway’s Andøya Space, securing one of the most coveted launch sites in Europe. “This agreement secures launch capacity to cover… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg secures launch site in Andøya, Norway
Rocket Factory Augsburg signs further launch contracts. OHB Cosmos and LuxSpace select RFA ONE for dedicated launches in 2024 and 2025. Augsburg, Germany – April 27, 2021 – OHB Cosmos International Launch Services GmbH, a company of OHB SE’s newly established business segment OHB DIGITAL, as well as LuxSpace, the group’s Luxembourg-based satellite manufacturer,… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg signs further launch contracts.
RFA Portugal is awarded a contract to develop and qualify launcher structures with CEiiA aiming for series production Marco Fuchs announces agreement with Pedro Siza Vieira, Minister for the Economy and Prof. Heitor, Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education in Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal – April 23, 2021 – Rocket Factory Portugal LDA Unipessoal, a… Continue reading RFA Portugal is awarded a contract to develop and qualify launcher structures with CEiiA aiming for series production
OHB Sweden Signs Launch Service Agreement with Rocket Factory Augsburg Rocket Factory selected for the dedicated launch of a commercial mission Augsburg, Germany – March 31st, 2021 – OHB Sweden AB, subsidiary of space and technology group OHB SE, signed a contract for a dedicated launch with Germany-based launch service provider, Rocket Factory Augsburg AG… Continue reading OHB Sweden Signs Launch Service Agreement with Rocket Factory Augsburg
ESA-Generaldirektor Aschbacher kündigt neue Leuchtturm-Programme für die europäische Raumfahrt an Der neue ESA-Chef Josef Aschbacher wird in Kürze seine Agenda 2025 vorstellen / Bayerns Ministerpräsident Söder wirft Kritikern der bayerischen Raumfahrtinitiative „Bavaria One“ Ahnungslosigkeit vor / Online-Veranstaltung der Rocket Factory zur Eröffnung der neuen Produktionsanlagen in Augsburg Augsburg, 30.03.2021 – Bei einer im Internet übertragenen Onlineveranstaltung… Continue reading ESA-Generaldirektor Aschbacher kündigt neue Leuchtturm-Programme für die europäische Raumfahrt an
ESA commissions RFA-lead OHB consortium with study on the future of European space transportation Start-up Rocket Factory Augsburg playing a leading role Augsburg, Bremen, March 11, 2021 – Rocket Factory Augsburg AG, a subsidiary of space and high-tech group OHB SE, has been commissioned by the European Space Agency ESA to conduct a study on… Continue reading ESA commissions RFA-lead OHB consortium with study on the future of European space transportion.
Rocket Factory receives Portuguese support to extend ESA Boost! contract. Rocket Factory solidifies leadership position in European launcher industry with great support from the Portuguese Space Agency Augsburg, Germany, 12.02.2021 – Rocket Factory Augsburg AG, a Germany-based commercial launch service provider, is extending its contract in Boost! – ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support… Continue reading Rocket Factory receives Portuguese support to extend ESA Boost! contract
German Microlauncher start-up Rocket Factory announces unrivalled low price of EUR 3 million per rocket launch Serial production enables cost leadership / Financing round to raise EUR 25 million Bremen, Augsburg, Germany – February 12, 2021 – At the Capital Market Day of space technology group OHB SE (Prime Standard, ISIN DE0005936124), Augsburg-based start-up Rocket… Continue reading German Microlauncher start-up Rocket Factory announces unrivalled low price of EUR 3 million per rocket launch
Rocket Factory receives Portuguese support to extend ESA Boost! contract. Contract signature solidifies RFA`s leadership position in European small launcher industry Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), a Germany-based commercial launch service provider, is the first company to sign a contract for Boost! – ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support program. RFA is receiving… Continue reading RFA signs contract with ESA as the first company to join the “Boost!” program
Rocket Factory Augsburg inaugurated Swedish test site RFA inaugurated engine test in Esrange, Sweden Rocket Factory Augsburg, a start-up backed by the German satellite manufacturer OHB as a strategic investor, inaugurated its test site in Esrange, Sweden to conduct the first hot fire tests for RFA ONE staged combustion main engine later this year.… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg inaugurated its engine test site in Esrange, Sweden
Rocket Factory Augsburg Signs Agreement with Andøya Space for Maiden Launch. Further Partnership establishes RFAs Leadership in providing launch services out of Europe Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), the leading launch service provider based in Germany, signed a ground breaking MoU with Norway based Andøya Space, to implement a launch site for the RFA ONE… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg Signs Agreement with Andøya Space for Maiden Launch
Rocket Factory Augsburg selects Kourou for Launch Site Implementation with CNES Implementation project based on MoU signed in 2019 concludes major part of phase 0/A. Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), a Germany-based launch service provider, concludes the major part of phase 0/A project with CNES/CSG European Spaceport towards implementing a launch site for the RFA… Continue reading Rocket Factory Augsburg Selects Kourou for Launch Site Implementation with CNES
Exolaunch Signs Agreement with Rocket Factory Augsburg to Supply Commercial Launch Services Further partnership establishes Germany´s leadership position in the space industry Exolaunch, a Berlin-based rideshare launch and deployment solutions provider, signed a wide-ranging MOU with Germany-based launch vehicle provider, Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), to provide end-to-end launch services for small satellites, with Exolaunch… Continue reading Exolaunch Signs Agreement with Rocket Factory Augsburg to Supply Commercial Launch Services
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