Augsburg, Germany, 11th April 2025 – The supervisory board of Rocket Factory Augsburg has appointed Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins 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 of RFA ONE. Together with the RFA team he will focus entirely on the successful initial test flight of the rocket: „I have known RFA since it was founded almost seven years ago and have always followed its progress with great interest. I have been working with RFA for some time now, so I know that I have a great, motivated, and technically excellent team that is eager to get off to a successful launch as quickly as possible “, says Indulis Kalnins. Kalnins has a wide range of expertise and a large network thanks to his various professional positions in both education and in the space industry.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, chairman of the supervisory board at RFA, explains: „We would like to thank Dr. Stefan Tweraser for his commitment and his time at RFA. For the tasks that now lie ahead, we are focusing on technical progress and the path to the launchpad. With the wide range of skills that Dr. Kalnins brings to a highly motivated team, we believe that RFA is well on its way to continuing to prepare for the first launch attempt as the priority to get access to the market of launch services. “
„We must focus all our energy on the technology and the first launch,“ adds Marco Fuchs, chairman of the board at OHB. „I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint a recognized expert for RFA in Kalnins. I have known Dr. Kalnins for almost 30 years and therefore know about his exceptional expertise “, continues Fuchs.
Board members Dr. Stefan Brieschenk (Chief Operating Officer) and Jörn Spurmann (Chief Commercial Officer) have only recently extended their appointments to the executive board and will remain in their current positions on RFA’s executive board.
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About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost stainless steel structures and usage of industrial components.
For more information, please visit: www.rfa.space
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Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone: +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Indulis Kalnins, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 range control licence from SaxaVord Spaceport, all three critical regulatory licences required for a test flight in 2025 from Scotland are therefore granted.
The spaceflight operator licence, also called launch licence, is of historic significance: RFA is the first company in Europe to receive such a licence for vertical launches of a privately developed orbital rocket. With this, RFA now has regulatory approval from the United Kingdom´s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to launch into space from Scotland. The licence is not limited in time and covers a wide range of orbits and trajectories. It validates RFA’s commitment to meeting stringent safety and operational standards, reinforcing the company’s readiness to execute its first test flight in 2025. Obtaining this historic approval demonstrates the trust that the CAA and UK have in RFA’s technology, team and philosophy.
With this regulatory green light in place, RFA is now shifting its focus to the final technical preparations for the first test flight. The company has already completed major development milestones, including the successful flight qualification of the RFA ONE’s second stage, its advanced Redshift orbital transfer vehicle (OTV), and its payload fairing system. The remaining efforts are centred on building the rocket´s first stage with nine Helix staged-combustion engines, and conducting a full hot fire test on the launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport, Scotland.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for RFA and for Europe’s space industry,” said Jörn Spurmann, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of RFA. “Securing the first-ever launch licence outside ESA’s established site in Kourou is not just a regulatory milestone – it’s a powerful endorsement of our technical excellence and a turning point for European space innovation. This license marks Europe’s bold step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access. By enabling cost-effective and flexible launches from European main land, we are laying the foundation for a new era of space exploration and commercialization, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of the global space race. Together with the CAA and our partners, we are driving the future of accessible and reliable spaceflight, unlocking opportunities that will shape industries and inspire generations.”
Rob Bishton, CEO of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a new era for aerospace and granting the first vertical launch licence from UK soil builds towards a historic milestone for the nation. This licence is the culmination of extensive hard work behind the scenes to put appropriate safety and environmental measures in place before launch. Through effective licensing and regulation we are enabling the expanding space sector to reach new heights.”
Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, ISAM, and Space Sustainability said: “This licence approval is a landmark moment, as it signals the start of vertical rocket launches from European soil. The achievement, driven by effective collaboration between RFA, SaxaVord Spaceport, the regulator and government partners, highlights the growing strength of the UK’s launch capabilities and our international relationships. What’s more, ambitious companies like RFA are creating high-skilled jobs, catalysing investment, and inspiring the next generation to see their future in space.”
As Europe strives for greater autonomy and flexibility in space access, the RFA spaceflight operator license highlights the importance of developing privately driven, innovative solutions to meet the rapidly growing demand for satellite launches. The upcoming test flight of RFA ONE will position RFA as a key player in Europe’s spaceflight ambitions, providing a reliable and affordable launch service for small satellites, right from European mainland.
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About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost stainless steel structures and usage of industrial components.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax ID: DE319402838
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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 flight of the RFA ONE. After the first flight of the RFA ONE was fully booked, there was more demand than capacity for the second flight.
After RFA won the DLR Microlauncher competition organized by the German Space Agency in the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in April 2022, the company was awarded prize money of 11 million euros. As part of this, RFA was able to secure the German government as an anchor customer for the first two flights. Following this success, satellite manufacturers, research institutes and start-ups were invited to apply for these flights in a call for tenders issued by DLR. A jury of experts has now selected eight missions/winners with a total payload of 200 kg for the second test flight of RFA ONE, which will reach a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 km. In this orbit, the satellites will be precisely positioned and can be rapidly commissioned to fulfil their individual missions. The launch is planned for the end of 2024.
DLR received more applications for the second flight of RFA ONE than for any other small launcher. The demand was significantly higher than the available capacity. The fact that the second flight is fully booked once again confirms RFA’s technological and commercial leadership.
Jörn Spurmann, RFA’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted with the high demand for our second launch, which underlines the growing confidence in our launch service product and the RFA team. The successful partnership with the German Space Agency (DLR) is seen as a pioneering model for efficient cooperation at the European level. The European Launcher Challenge, initiated by Germany, is a promising approach to increase the use of private launch services by institutions and countries. We are now doing all we can to lay the foundations for these promising developments with the first flight next year”.
The payload competition is part of the German Space Agency’s micro-launcher competition at the German Aerospace Center. The aim of this programme is to drive forward the commercialization of European space and to improve the independence and competitiveness of companies and research institutions, particularly in the field of smaller payloads.
“We see these competitions as a catalyst and pioneer for the commercialization of space activities in Germany and Europe,” says Dr. Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR.
The following missions will be on board the second test flight of RFA ONE:
MIDAS
DLR Cologne
Germany
MIDAS will investigate the self-assembly of structures formed by active self-propelled microswimmers, and the long-term stability of these aggregates under microgravity conditions. Microswimmers are model systems that mimic the motion of cells and microorganisms. In suspension, they form aggregates that can be solidified into so-called active materials that can convert energy into mechanical motion on a microscopic scale. Such active materials possess great potential in applications as smart materials that can adapt their physical properties to changes in the environment. The proposal is in line with the ESA SciSpaceE White Paper defining the road map for Soft Matter and Biophysics (§2.6). The payload proposed here is derived from a payload previously flown several times on the MAPHEUS sounding rocket.
SPACEMAST
DLR Braunschweig
Germany
The SpaceMast Camera Mast is a deployable camera mast mounted directly to the Redshift OTV of RFA ONE. Once the Redshift OTV reaches the first target orbit, a 7m composite mast is deployed with a camera on its tip, to full (7m) or intermediate length (e.g. 2 m) for overview or closer view video footage of the OTV and the payloads being released/deployed. The camera mast can be retracted for further OTV transfer maneuvers and deployed again to make video footage of further payloads to be deployed.
More info: https://event.dlr.de/ila2022/spacemast/
Platform 9
Endurosat
Bulgaria
Platform-9 is part of EnduroSat’s Shared Satellite Constellation, which offers visionary companies the shortest and most affordable path to orbit for deploying their services, in-orbit testing and validation. EnduroSat’s unique software-defined NanoSat architecture allows for multiple sensors to operate together reliably on a single satellite, resulting in outstanding sustainable space service. Fewer satellites in orbit, used with much higher efficiency, shared as a common resource in orbit. Furthermore, EnduroSat’s redundant multi-master architecture provides unique payload operations reliability.
More info: https://www.endurosat.com/
VIBES Pioneer
Hochschule Bremen
Germany
VIBES Pioneer is a 3U CubeSat. The goal of the mission is to improve the optical performance of spacecraft using digital technologies. The spacecraft hosts an optical payload equipped with a light and cost-effective disturbance measurement and management system. During each image acquisition, accelerometers log the perturbations emitted by reaction wheels and their propagation along the satellite structure. Passive isolators placed on the structural path between the reaction wheel and the camera will reduce the disturbances. An active line-of-sight system for fine-pointing control of the payload will further improve the performance. The generated image data and satellite status information will be delivered to the ground with a software-defined radio.
PW3-Sat3
University of Warsaw
Poland
PW-Sat3 is the third satellite constructed by the Students’ Space Association at the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. Following the deorbit sail demonstration performed by the PW-Sat2 team, the student team designed a butane warm-gas propulsion system with an additional heating chamber and membrane for pressurization. According to the mission plan, the device will perform orbit correction and deorbiting maneuvers to address the collision risk and space debris problems.
More info: https://pw-sat.pl/en/home-page/
Flamingo
Vyoma
Germany
Flamingo is a pilot mission for a satellite constellation to be deployed in an orbit around Earth. The remaining ten satellites shall be deployed from 2025 (the so-called Flamingo NextGen mission). Current trends point to a continuous increase in congestion of the near-Earth space environment, and novel approaches to detection, characterization, tracking and management of traffic must be sought to ensure space remains a safe, integral part of societies and economies worldwide, in a cost-effective manner. Vyoma’s satellites will passively monitor the space environment using optical onboard cameras and provide frequent updates to the ground. The data generated by the constellation shall enhance current space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities and enable satellite owners to make informed operational decisions.
More info: https://www.vyoma.space/
3Cat-8
Universitat Politecnica De Catalunya
Spain
The 3Cat-8 mission is a comprehensive satellite project encompassing educational, scientific, and technological objectives. It offers a unique educational opportunity, being primarily executed by students with support from industry contributions, including advanced technologies like an ionic thruster and OWL. The mission also focuses on ground-breaking scientific endeavours, notably the near-simultaneous ionospheric scintillation monitoring using GNSS Radio Occultation, and capturing the ionosphere’s multispectral polarized emission imaging. This is complemented by Radio Frequency Interference monitoring in both L- and K- bands.
More info: https://nanosatlab.upc.edu/en
MOVE-BEYOND
Technische Universität – WARR e.V.
Germany
The MOVE-BEYOND mission is dedicated to testing the innovative MOVE-BEYOND bus system, a pivotal development in satellite technology. This system is designed with a novel approach that emphasizes scalability and flexibility, enabling it to accommodate a diverse range of payloads. In line with this, it presents a unique opportunity for payloads that do not yet have a defined bus system. This mission represents a significant step forward in making satellite technology more adaptable and inclusive of various research and application needs, potentially revolutionizing how payloads are integrated and deployed in space missions.
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About the German Space Agency at DLR
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. The organisation also conducts research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. Within DLR the German Space Agency implements the Federal Government’s space strategy. More than 330 employees based in Bonn coordinate all of the German space activities at national and European levels and represents German space interests worldwide on behalf of the Federal Government. The tasks of German Space Agency at DLR include the planning and implementation of the national space programme and the management of Germany’s contributions to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer-focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost stainless-steel structures and usage of industrial components. In June 2023, RFA became the first company in Europe to fire a complete upper stage with a staged combustion engine for the entire duration of the flight. In August, American investor KKR acquired a stake in RFA.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland – October 27, 2023. Launch service provider RFA UK (Rocket Factory Ltd) has received £3.5 million to support its plans to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. The announcement comes as UK Science Minister, George Freeman, visits SaxaVord Spaceport to see progress at the site and meet key members of RFA UK.
The funding was awarded by the UK Space Agency as part of the European Space Agency (ESA), Boost! Programme, which aims to help innovative companies develop new launch technologies and bring them to market. With the UK contributing as the third nation to the RFA ONE development via C-STS Boost!, RFA AG is the most endorsed commercial launch service development within the C-STS Boost! Programme.
RFA UK will use the funding to develop and operate the infrastructure and test equipment needed to enable them to launch the RFA ONE launch system from SaxaVord Spaceport, planned for Q2 2024. RFA UK and SaxaVord Spaceport anticipate around 90 skilled jobs will be created locally when the spaceport arrives to full operational capability including spaceport operations and administration, integration, testing and launch.
A subsidiary of Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA AG), the UK company is headquartered in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland. RFA AG will have exclusive access to the SaxaVord’s ‘Fredo’ launch pad from where it plans to provide a regular cadence of launch services as one of the spaceport’s anchor customers. RFA UK was set-up to implement and operate launch-specific system and test equipment to support RFA AG’s planned launches from SaxaVord Spaceport.
Measuring 30 metres tall and 2 metres wide, the RFA ONE launch vehicle is a three-stage launch vehicle capable of deploying up to 1,300 kg to a 500 km polar orbit. The rocket uses efficient and environmentally friendly Helix staged-combustion engines, stainless steel tanks and standardised components from other industries to offer flexible, low-cost and precise transportation into orbit with its Redshift OTV.
Jörn Spurmann, Managing Director, RFA UK and Chief Commercial Officer, RFA AG
“The support received from the UK Space Agency underscores their strong confidence in our approach. We are eagerly anticipating our inaugural orbital launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport in the UK. This event will further cement our position as the pioneers in European commercial spaceflight. At the same time, it demonstrates the unwavering confidence the European Space Agency has in our strategy.
With the UK contributing as the third nation to the RFA ONE development via C-STS Boost!, we solidify our role as a genuine European launch service provider and the most endorsed commercial launch service development within the C-STS Boost! Programme. We are absolutely delighted to reciprocate this faith and support.”
George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:
“The UK’s high growth £17bn space industry is on the frontline of advanced satellite manufacturing and satcomms technology and services, and set to grow fast as the commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite sector expands in the next decade. Through our c£1.5bn UK space funding programmes the Government is backing satcomms technology, space science, missions and infrastructure to support the commercial satellite sector.
This £3.5 million investment will enable RFA UK to develop the technologies necessary to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, creating dozens of jobs locally and growing the Scottish cluster as a key part of the UK space sector.”
Matt Archer, Director of Launch, UK Space Agency said:
“Our investment to Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) UK demonstrates our continued commitment to make the UK Europe’s leading destination for launch by encouraging the development of launch companies. This contract will help RFA UK and SaxaVord Spaceport prepare for their first launch, creating high skilled jobs and supporting Government’s vision for the UK to be Europe’s most attractive launch destination by 2030.”
Scott Hammond, SaxaVord Spaceport deputy CEO, said:
“We are delighted that the UK Space Agency has awarded this funding to our client to help them progress towards launch from our site in Unst, the UK’s first vertical launch spaceport.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said:
“The Scottish space sector continues to go from strength to strength with the latest figures showing an almost £40 million increase in income and more than 100 new highly-skilled jobs with support from the UK Government. This new funding will help support launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, and maintain UK leadership in this sector.”
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About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost stainless-steel structures and usage of industrial components.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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Weltraumkongress, Berlin, Germany – October 18, 2023.
Three pioneering German NewSpace companies, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), Yuri, and ATMOS Space Cargo (ATMOS) announced their new partnership and launch of their joint end-to-end service for microgravity life science research and product development at this year’s edition of Weltraumkongress in Berlin, Germany. This holistic solution represents an unprecedented and flexible alternative to the ISS laboratory and initiates a new generation for microgravity research and thus advancement in biotech, life science, and product development worldwide.
In this consortium, Rocket Factory Augsburg is responsible for the entire launch service, including the launch system, infrastructure, outbound logistics, and the operational launch campaign. RFA will be delivering ATMOS Space Cargo’s Phoenix capsule with Yuri’s ScienceTaxi to the precise target orbit in a flexible and low-cost manner. The company will be responsible for the integration of the Phoenix space capsule onto its RFA ONE launch system while providing late access to the payload.
The launch campaigns are to be carried out from SaxaVord Spaceport (previously known as Shetland Space Center) on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, UK.
Yuri operates the ScienceTaxi, which will be integrated into the Phoenix capsule by ATMOS Space Cargo. With its groundbreaking life science incubator and bioreactor solutions, Yuri will be responsible for the execution of biotech research and manufacturing in space.
ATMOS Space Cargo is responsible for the re-entry logistics and operating the return mission of the Phoenix return capsule which will be carrying Yuri’s ScienceTaxi. ATMOS will supervise and execute the safe return from low Earth orbit (LEO) to the Azores and carry out the early retrieval of the capsule after landing as well as the recovery mission to the final location.
Jörn Spurmann, CCO at Rocket Factory Augsburg:
“With “Eva” we will set up a unique global service that will allow breakthrough insights in BioTech and product development. Customers receive a complete solution from three experts in their respective fields, allowing them to focus on their core business. We are also particularly proud to be able to fully map the value chain with our partners in Germany. This is a great sign of German NewSpace Industry capability.”
Maria Birlem, Co-CEO at Yuri:
“In this new era of space exploration and commercialization, Europe and Germany must not only witness, but actively shape the future. With the combined strengths of Rocket Factory Augsburg, ATMOS Space Cargo, and Yuri, we’re not just aiming to level the playing field with the USA; we’re setting our sights on pioneering new frontiers in LEO commercialization. It’s high time Europe takes its rightful place at the forefront of space innovation.”
Christian Grimm, Lead Systems Engineer and Co-Founder of ATMOS Space Cargo:
“We are excited to establish the first full end-to-end service for biotech research in microgravity and thus creating new possibilities to utilize space for in-orbit product development. With our partners at Yuri and at the Rocket Factory Augsburg, we will boost the German NewSpace industry to the forefront of Europe’s expertise in space. This will mark the turning point for affordable in-orbit science and a possible role model for the commercialization of space – launch, return, repeat!”
— END —
About Rocket Factory Augsburg
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the goal to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. RFA wants to democratize access to space to enable the collection of data from above to better understand, connect and protect our planet Earth.
About Yuri
Yuri is a space biotech company that uses the microgravity environment of space to develop and manufacture superior biotech products. Yuri develops modular bioreactors and incubators for cell cultures, protein crystals or plants, launching them to the ISS and other spacecraft for scientists around the world.
About ATMOS Space Cargo
ATMOS Space Cargo GmbH specializes in the development and manufacturing of technology to return cargo of any size from space, from microgravity experiments, commercial products to entire rocket stages.
For press inquiries, please contact:
press@atmos-space-cargo.com
press@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg website: rfa.space
Yuri website: yurigravity.com
ATMOS website: atmos-space-cargo.com
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
Augsburg, Germany – August 7th 2023. Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) today announced that it has raised a €30 million investment from KKR, a leading global investment firm. The fresh funding is a vote of confidence for RFA as global demand for access to space continues to grow. The investment will facilitate RFA’s upcoming integrated first stage test and complete the company’s launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, to eventually bring the RFA ONE microlauncher to the launchpad. The first flight is scheduled for Q2 2024. With its €30 million convertible bond investment, KKR will become a leading investor in RFA alongside the existing strategic investor OHB.
Stefan Tweraser, CEO at RFA: “We aim to provide cost-effective access to space and data-generating business models in space for monitoring, connecting, and protecting our planet. This new financing reflects confidence in RFA and validates our cost-efficient approach and technical achievements. Partnering with KKR as a long-term investor makes us proud – their financial resources, global network and industrial expertise will accelerate our mission, and support RFA towards our first launch next year and beyond.”
As global demand for cost-effective and flexible launch services to access space rises, RFA’s launch service offering is ideally positioned to benefit from this market opportunity. KKR’s investment follows the company’s successful completion of its upper stage hot fire test in May 2023, the first of its kind in Europe. This underlines investors’ trust in the business model of RFA, which prioritizes speedy and sustainable growth and maintains strong investment value for existing and new investors, and extends RFA’s technology and cost leadership.
Christian Ollig, Partner and Head of the DACH region at KKR: “KKR is excited to support RFA in its efforts to revolutionize access to space, which is crucial for emerging technologies that will shape our future. The team’s exceptional track record of achieving technical milestones and their unwavering focus on cost leadership are precisely the right strategy for future success in the global marketplace. We look forward to supporting RFA on its growth path.”
KKR’s investment comes from a holding company owned by its newest European private equity fund, KKR European Fund VI.
— ENDS —
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost stainless-steel structures and usage of industrial components. In June 2023, RFA became the first company in Europe to hot fire a complete staged combustion engine upper stage over its entire flight duration. Including this milestone, RFA has invested a total of less than €50m.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 ELM-Diamant launch complex beginning in 2025.
With access to arguably the European spaceport, launch service provider RFA will be able to offer customers all inclinations from equatorial to polar. This expands RFA’s portfolio of orbits available to customers to include low inclination orbits such as GTO, MEO, GEO, lunar and even interplanetary mission profiles. As a result, even more flexible and precise servicing of all types of missions for Earth observation, connectivity, or even entire constellations are possible. As part of CNES’ open tender process to open the Kourou Space Center (CSG) to commercial launch service providers, RFA ONE will launch from CSG starting in 2025.
In addition to the successful completion of the first European upper stage test of its kind in May 2023, RFA also confirms its commercial leadership position by securing the ELM-Diamant launch complex. With this second launch pad from RFA, the company will be able to deliver all mission profiles for ESA and its member states as institutional customers.
“By securing a launch site at the Diamant launch complex, this agreement allows RFA to offer GTO, MEO, GEO and even lunar and interplanetary flight profiles to its customers. By launching from Kourou, the European Spaceport, we can serve ESA and its member states as institutional customers for any mission profile they desire. Together with our successful upper stage hot fire test – a first in Europe – we have once again confirmed our technical and commercial leadership position in Europe,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “Just before the final launch of Ariane 5, this collaboration is a clear commitment to the future of European spaceflight from Kourou. We are very proud to launch from the historic Diamant launch site, where European spaceflight began its long and successful history. We look forward to continuing it.”
“CNES is proud to sign this agreement with RFA, which confirms RFA’s decision to launch from the ELM Diamond site at CSG’s European Spaceport,” said Dr. Paolo Baiocco, senior project manager for micro-mini launchers at CNES. “We look forward to working with RFA to further develop launch activities in Kourou. This is an important step for European spaceflight.”
Until now, the launch pad in Kourou has only been used by CNES for its Diamant rocket in the 1970s. Now the launch complex is to be given a new purpose, in the tradition of opening access to space through innovative and groundbreaking ventures. As such, RFA is one of the first NewSpace companies to be given the opportunity to use it. The new launch pad will be upgraded and equipped in the coming years with the aim of being used for launches from 2025.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost stainless-steel structures and usage of industrial components.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 Helix engine was integrated into an upper stage tank system and hot fired several times up to full duration in the final test. This is the 1st time in Europe that a privately developed staged combustion upper stage has been successfully hot fired.
In the now successfully completed IST campaign, all stage level systems and components were tested. The final test was a full duration burn of 280 seconds. This makes RFA the 1st private company in Europe to successfully hot fire a stage with a staged-combustion engine for its full duration. With this long duration burn, the Helix engine is now qualified at the same time for both first and second stage flight.
”The upper stage performed flawlessly and ran through the full 310s autosequence without tripping any redlines. The engine run-time was 280s and no damages could be identified after the test. This is the first successful qualification test of our upper stage, and we are super proud of our team for designing, building and testing in such a time- and money-efficient fashion” said Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “The data we have collected will allow us to tune all stage sub-systems, for both the upper and first stage. Our next big step is the first stage hot firing test. We are approaching our first launch with great strides, it is getting serious.”
Dr. Stefan Tweraser, RFA’s Chief Executive Officer added: “This successful test is a massive leap forward for us. It’s a full confirmation of our strategy to develop a small launcher that is both very powerful and achieves cost-leadership. With this full duration test we have demonstrated again that we are able to complete more milestones with less, but smarter investments than any of our competitors”.
The campaign, which was conducted at Esrange Space Center in Sweden, is the most important milestone in the development process so far: 280 seconds of steady-state combustion proved the functionality and compatibility of all upper stage systems, including fueling processes, fuel management, pressurization, sensors, propulsion and control. Valuable data was collected for further engine and stage optimization. RFA will now focus on the assembly of the first stage and continue the construction work on the launch pad.
About staged combustion
Back in July 2021, RFA became the first company in the European Union to successfully develop and test a staged combustion engine with a successful eight-second hot fire test. This made RFA the third commercial company in the world to successfully test a staged combustion rocket engine on a large scale. This was followed in August 2022 by a hot fire campaign of the Helix in flight configuration with a total burn time of 74 seconds. The same engine was fired and stopped three times without having to replace any components.
The staged combustion technology is characterized by higher efficiency and performance compared to conventional open-cycle rocket engines. The partially unburned exhaust gases from the turbopump are fed into the main combustion chamber, avoiding the release of unburned fuel. Recycling the exhaust significantly increases the efficiency of the launch vehicle while reducing launch costs and minimizing CO2 emissions during rocket launches.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at highly competitive prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its Redshift OTV; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low–cost stainless steel structures and usage of industrial components.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 Pad Fredo for orbital launches, meaning the company’s first launch of its RFA ONE launch system – currently planned for the end of 2023 – will take place from the northernmost point in the UK.
The commercial Spaceport in Shetland is ideally located for RFA to launch payloads at high cadence into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Existing logistics and infrastructure, launch readiness, as well as rapid implementation and matching mentality were key factors why RFA chose to partner with SaxaVord. With the multi-year partnership, which includes investments in the double-digit million pound range, RFA is securing its first-flight launch site in order to be able to provide its services individually and flexibly to customer requirements.
The launch pad and launch stool were fully completed by the end of 2022. The RFA launch pad is therefore the first for vertical orbital rocket launches in the UK and mainland Europe. In the future, the launch pad will not only be used for orbital launches, but for testing and qualification of the RFA ONE core stages. These tests are expected to begin in mid-2023. The first launch will then be into a 500 km high sun-synchronous orbit.
“We are super excited to launch our first flight from SaxaVord. This partnership of privately financed companies enables the spirit and speed that we need, to be on top of the commercial small launch competition,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “The SaxaVord team was incredibly determined to build our launch pad and get the operations up and running. We are proud to be part of this historic event for the UK having built the first launch pad in mainland Europe. We firmly believe in the UK’s strategic space vision and are absolutely convinced that the double-digit million investment in the site is well placed on our part.”
SaxaVord Spaceport CEO Frank Strang said: “We’re delighted to kick off the New Year by announcing our partnership with RFA. We will support RFA across the entire lifecycle of a launch, from facilitating testing, inspections, fueling and safety, to supplying MET weather data and access to our ground station network for data capture and distribution. The entire team cannot wait to welcome RFA and work closely as we edge closer to the UK’s first vertical space launch in Unst.”
The partnership will allow RFA to launch satellites, the majority of which are active in two major areas: Earth observation and communications. The data collected by these satellites can benefit any industry. Examples of applications include: Optimization of logistics routes, early detection of forest fires, Internet of Things, analysis of ground conditions, maintenance of infrastructure, collection of health data, self-driving cars, climate and environmental protection. In this way, RFA acts as an enabler to better connect, understand, and protect our Earth.
About SaxaVord
SaxaVord Spaceport (SaxaVord) is the UK’s first vertical satellite launch facility and ground station located at Lamba Ness in Unst, Shetland. Given Unst is the UK’s highest point of latitude, SaxaVord offers customers a geographic competitive advantage enabling unrivalled payloads per satellite, launch site operations, a network of ground stations, as well as in-orbit data collection and analysis. SaxaVord has received endorsement from the UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) Sceptre Report and formed industry-leading partnerships. It has also been chosen to host the UKSA’s UK Pathfinder launch.
Integral to the UK’s space economy ambitions, SaxaVord is building a highly skilled workforce, championing STEM education and supporting the economic regeneration of Shetland. Follow the journey of SaxaVord, from ground preparation to launch, here.
Press Contact:
Paul Riddell
+44 7739 750543
paul.riddell@shetlandspacecentre.com
Hawthorn Advisors
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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. According to the announcement, seven companies with a total payload of 136kg will launch on the first flight of RFA ONE. No other small launch provider was entrusted with payload from so many customers for their first flight. The application round for RFA ONE’s second flight is still open.
After winning the April 2022 DLR microlauncher competition, RFA received €11 million in prize money and won the German government as an anchor customer for its first two flights. Satellite manufacturers, research institutes, and start-ups were then invited to apply over an DLR Announcement of Opportunity for these flights. A jury now chose the seven winners for RFA ONE´s first launch, which will fly into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 km. There, the satellites will be precisely deployed and can be swiftly commissioned to carry out their mission. The launch is scheduled for late 2023. The application deadline for the second RFA launch approaches in April 2023.
“We are proud to have so much capacity booked on our first flight with these seven customers. The full utilization of the payload capacity available to DLR is a strong vote of confidence in our product and services, as well as in us as a company and team,” says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. He adds, “The collaboration with DLR is very beneficial for both sides and the German concept is a role model in Europe that others are adopting. We should continue to expand and develop it in order to be able to launch even more payloads into orbit flexibly and cost-effectively. The demand is definitely there.”
The payload competition is embedded in the microlauncher competition of the German Space Agency at DLR. The goal of this program is to advance the commercialization of European spaceflight and to improve the autonomy and competitiveness of companies and research institutions, especially in the field of smaller payloads.
“Technological excellence and cost-efficient value creation processes are the basis for positioning oneself successfully in the dynamic and growing small satellite market. Start-ups and SMEs play an essential role here due to their agility,” says Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR. “The reliable prospect of public contracts helps young companies in particular to secure funding. Our microlauncher and payload competitions are key elements here,” adds Pelzer, referring to the role of the state as an anchor customer.”
The seven companies that will be on board the first flight of RFA ONE are in detail:
AllBertEinStein
TU Munich
Germany
For the AllBert EinStein project, precisely characterized artificial meteoroids shall be launched into space on an upper stage. The objects will have diameters of 5 cm and 10 cm consisting of iron and rocky material, thus mimicking real meteoroids. Only after the de-orbit burn of the upper stage, the meteoroids will be deployed and therefore all objects will enter the atmosphere on a well-known trajectory. The optical radiation of the resulting fireballs and its spectral composition will be recorded via an airborne observation campaign.
More info: https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/lrt/forschung/exploration-technologies/allbert-einstein/
ARTICA
SPACEMIND (NPC – New Production Concept SRL)
Italy
In-orbit demonstration of ARTICA CubeSat Deorbiting System, a device capable of deorbiting a satellite passively and autonomously at the end of its life, to assure sustainable access to space.
More info: https://www.npcspacemind.com/in-space-now/
Curium Two
PTS – Planetary Transportations Systems
Germany
The mission is designed to test and validate new electronics such as GPU’s and sensors for future commercial space missions. For this, the components are installed as payloads within a commercial cubesat platform and could be individually powered on and off for testing purposes over a longer period in space (ideally +12months).
More info: https://www.pts.space/
ERMINAZ
AMSAT-Deutschland e.V.
Germany
The mission proposed is a syndicated, multi-PocketQube mission (1x 2P + 2x 1.5P + 3x 1P, total of 6 PQs), involving several EU countries, the amateur radio community, AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-EA (Spain), ESERO-Deutschland (Bochum Observatory), Libre Space Foundation (Greece) and other EU non-profit organizations or institutions. They work to create open-source space technologies for educational purposes and to promote, advance and develop knowledge for space. Using PocketQube technology will allow them to maximize the mission impact, involving several institutions, universities, and teams.
More info: https://amsat-dl.org/
PCIOD
DCUBED
Germany
Over the last 1.5 years, DCUBED together with partners developed a deployable NanoSat 100W solar array that fits in a 1U stowage volume. The activity was carried out under a ESA Artes AT. In this activity an EM was built and tested (vibe, shock, TVAC). DCUBED has already started building the FM with Bavarian state funding. Now, they are launching an IOD mission for their PowerCube 100W 1U solar array. The array is a subsystem that can be mounted directly on the launcher platform (e.g. kickstage) and deploy after all other satellites are released. The PCIOD can then be de-orbited directly with the upper/kickstage.
More info: https://dcubed.space/
Separation Ring Mission
SPACEMIND (NPC – New Production Concept SRL)
Italy
The mission aims to in-orbit demonstrate the functioning of a re-scaled separation ring for nanosatellites. The ring will be contained in a modified 12U deployer to minimize the risk to cause damage to the other payloads in case of malfunctioning. The ring is mounted on a fixed plate inside the customized deployer (no ejection springs are present in the deployer) and, when the deployer opens the doors, the ring will be activated releasing a small sat.
More info: https://www.npcspacemind.com/in-space-now/
SpaceDREAM
Kinetik Space
Germany
A small form factor, light weight, robotic arm will be directly mounted on the orbital stage vehicle of RFA. The arm is equipped with a magnetic end effector. A free-floating Cubesat 1U, tethered to the orbital stage, will be “released” (but still tethered), then recaptured using the magnetic coupling of the robotic arm. The robotic arm will demonstrate autonomous operation to capture of a free-floating object, as well as the vision tracking capabilities.
More info: http://kinetikspace.com/
About the German Space Agency at DLR
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. The organisation also conducts research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. Within DLR the German Space Agency implements the Federal Government’s space strategy. More than 330 employees based in Bonn coordinate all of the German space activities at national and European levels and represents German space interests worldwide on behalf of the Federal Government. The tasks of German Space Agency at DLR include the planning and implementation of the national space programme and the management of Germany’s contributions to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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, Precious Payload, the leading marketplace for satellite launches, today announced it has included upcoming Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) launches to its comprehensive launch schedule dubbed Launch.ctrl for commercial satellites. This formalizes the plan for Precious Payload to onboard a new rideshare provider to create more launch opportunities for payload developers. Satellite teams will be able to easily find upcoming RFA missions online from a variety of launch sites including European facilities in the United Kingdom, French Guiana, and others. RFA is targeting end-of 2023 for its first launch.
“The demand for access to cost-effective, last-mile delivery launches is growing rapidly from customers with payloads of all sizes and types,” said Andrew Maximov, CEO and co-founder of Precious Payload. “Having multiple launch options across different price points, orbital destinations, and facility locations is a key feature for our savvy payload developer customers. RFA brings increased price competitiveness and launch frequency from various launch locations throughout Europe. We’re looking forward to extending our launch vehicle portfolio and rideshare services to now include RFA ONE, and we wish them well on their upcoming maiden flight.”
Leveraging its location in the hub of the German automobile manufacturing industry, RFA has worked to minimize launch system costs using its unique serial production and assembly approach. RFA ONE is a three-stage, 30-meter rocket that can deliver up to 1,350 kg to a polar Earth orbit. The company successfully completed the first test campaign of its Helix flight configuration engine in July 2022, confirming its trajectory towards service commercialization. RFA has already signed launch contracts with the German government and about a dozen other customers for launches starting in 2023. The RFA ONE rocket is expected to launch up to fifty times per year in the future, delivering satellites into near-Earth orbit precisely and reliably at a highly competitive price point.
The Launch.ctrl platform by Precious Payload is designed to minimize costs and development timelines while maximizing launch schedule reliability and mission assurance. Beyond merely functioning as a marketplace for satellite launches, its templates for mission description and workplace for team collaboration bridge the gap between payload engineers and launch provider´s business development, sales, marketing, and launch management teams.
“Precious Payload has pioneered and truly defined the online rideshare marketplace and we’re thrilled to distribute our future launches via their Launch.ctrl platform,” commented Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA. “The software is a lead magnet for every payload developer looking for a launch or other related services, from insurance to SSA tools. Together with their expertise and insights into the launch and in-space transportation market, we can provide the industry with more flexibility, a simple and intuitive booking process and options for competitively priced launches to LEO and beyond.”
Earlier this year, Precious Payload unveiled a new version of its commercial launch schedule, and released customized pages for launch providers, their vehicles, and upcoming missions with all available launch service operators (including brokers and OTVs). Using Precious Payload’s robust Launch.ctrl platform, payload developers around the globe can easily browse every potential commercial launch for their spacecraft.
About Precious Payload
Precious Payload is a US/UAE/German space tech company that developed Launch.ctrl, a marketplace for satellite operators who look for specific time frames of launch or precise orbit. All the information stored in the platform’s web-facing interface is directly linked to a launch service provider’s account.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 and operate its own test stand at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen, Germany. There, RFA will test its Helix engine starting in mid-2023 to bring the European Union’s first staged-combustion engine to serial production maturity.
According to this agreement, RFA will lease and use the P2.4 test site. While DLR provides the basic infrastructure and the test operation takes place within the framework of the site regulation, RFA brings its own test stand and supporting infrastructure. Overall, investments in the single-digit million range are planned. This gives RFA the opportunity to test and operate its Helix engine in Germany for the first time. Until now, test stands in Lampoldshausen were only used by DLR, ESA and ArianeGroup. RFA is thus one of the first NewSpace companies to be given this opportunity. So far, testing of the Helix engine has only been carried out in Esrange, Sweden, at the Swedish Space Cooperation (SSC). Operations at this site will continue.
“Less than a week before the ESA Ministerial Council, this collaboration is a clear RFA location commitment to Germany and sends a strong signal to policy makers and the industry,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “The setup created with DLR is commercially very competitive on a worldwide scale and the right way to ensure the competitiveness of the German space industry in Europe and the world. We are very proud to be able to test our Helix staged combustion engine – the first in the European Union – at DLR in Lampoldshausen and are honored by the trust placed in us as a New Space company.”
The opportunity to test in Germany not only simplifies logistics, but also bureaucracy, as approval procedures are known and export and import efforts are eliminated. It also deepens cooperation between DLR and RFA and enables synergies and an exchange of experience that benefits both sides.
“Start-ups are becoming increasingly important players in space as well. That’s why we are delighted with the trust that Rocket Factory Augsburg has placed in us as a New Space company. We also see this cooperation as an acknowledgement of the capabilities of the existing test infrastructure and as an investment in the future,” said Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board, at the signing of the contract. She added: “By validating promising advanced engine concepts, we are jointly laying the foundations of Europe’s commercial and cost-effective access to space.”
In the middle of 2022, RFA fired its Helix engine for the first time for a total duration of 74 seconds. A short initial test of four seconds was followed by two long-term tests of 30 and 40 seconds. The same Helix engine was ignited and shut down three times without the need to replace any components. This clears the way for the Integrated System Test (IST), in which a complete upper stage tank with a Helix engine is tested as a closed system for the duration of its flight.
About DLR Lampoldshausen
At its site in Lampoldshausen, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) hosts expertise that is unique within Europe for the development and operation of rocket engine test stands. Over the last 60 years, the Institute of Space Propulsion, which is based in Lampoldshausen and now employs approximately 340 members of staff, has developed into a key partner for the European space industry.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 this partnership, RFA will launch two Digantara satellites into low Earth orbit using its RFA ONE launch system. In addition, Digantara will work with RFA to enable safer space operations through their “Space-MAP” (Space – Mission Assurance Platform) one-stop platform.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA: “Small- to medium-sized constellations like Digantara’s will be the driving force of the New Space Economy. We are proud that another international customer has chosen our highly competitive launch service. Digantara will significantly improve the precision of SSA and will enable safer spaceflight operations for everyone.”
Rahul Rawat, Chief Operating Officer at Digantara: “Working with small satellite launch providers like RFA will allow satellite constellation operators to overcome two significant bottlenecks facing the launch industry today. The ability to precisely insert satellites into orbit, combined with the ability to launch and deploy satellites on demand, will allow RFA to play an important role in enabling small constellation operators like us to get to market faster. In addition, RFA’s interest in safer space operations and sustainable use of space through SSA data sets and analysis is encouraging.”
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
About Digantara
Digantara is a space situational awareness company building an end to end solution to address the challenges of space operations and situational awareness, through its pioneering Space – Mission Assurance Platform, aka Space – MAP. Space-MAP will serve as a one stop solution for all space operations with products offered through data fusion using multi modal data sets. This platform will be as powerful and sophisticated as Google Maps, serving as a foundational layer for space operations and research.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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AUGSBURG / PARIS – September 19, 2022 – At the International Astronautical Congress 2022
(IAC), Spaceflight Inc., the leading global launch services provider, today announced it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for upcoming launches with Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA). The agreement formalizes the plan for Spaceflight to fly its Sherpa® orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) and other rideshare payloads on upcoming RFA missions from a variety of European launch sites, including from facilities in the United Kingdom, French Guiana and others. The companies are targeting mid-2024 for their first launch.
“The demand for access to cost-effective, last-mile delivery launches is growing rapidly from customers with payloads of all sizes and types,” said Curt Blake, CEO and president of Spaceflight. “Having many different launch options across different price points, orbital destinations, and facility locations are all very important to our savvy spacecraft developer customers. RFA brings increased price competitiveness and launch frequency from many different launch locations throughout Europe. We’re looking forward to extending our launch vehicle portfolio for Sherpa OTVs and rideshare services to now include RFA ONE, and wish them well on their upcoming maiden flight.”
Leveraging its location in the hub of the German automobile manufacturing industry, RFA is minimizing launch system costs with its unique serial production and assembly approach. RFA ONE, a three-stage, 30-meter rocket can deliver up to 1,350 kg to a polar Earth orbit. The company successfully completed the first test campaign of its Helix flight configuration engine in July 2022, confirming its milestone traction towards service commercialization. RFA has already signed launch contracts with the German government and about a dozen customers for launches starting in 2023. The RFA ONE rocket is expected to launch up to 50 times a year in the future, delivering satellites into near-Earth orbit quickly and reliably at a highly competitive price point.
“Spaceflight pioneered and truly defined the rideshare market and we’re very excited to partner with them on future launches,” commented Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA. “Together with Spaceflight’s unmatched launch and in-space transportation expertise, we can provide the industry with more launch flexibility and options for competitively priced launches to LEO and beyond.”
Spaceflight’s Sherpa family of space vehicles are designed to minimize development timelines while maximizing launch schedule reliability and mission assurance. Beyond functioning as a port expander, the modular and flexible transportation vehicles bridge the gap between where a launch vehicle drops its satellites off and the satellites’ final destination orbit – whether that’s LEO, trans-lunar and low-lunar orbits, or beyond to geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO). In addition to precise orbit insertion, Sherpa OTVs support payload hosting, as well as in-space servicing, such as spacecraft maintenance, infrastructure development and debris mitigation.
Earlier this month, Spaceflight successfully launched Sherpa-LTC, its chemical propulsive OTV onboard a SpaceX Starlink mission. The high-thrust propulsive Sherpa successfully deployed from the Falcon 9 and is targeting a 310-kilometer circular orbit, before igniting and transporting a customer payload to a 1,000-kilometer circular orbit. Previously, the company launched 50 payloads in 2021 from three different Sherpa OTVs, establishing a strong history of success with the program.
About Spaceflight Inc.
As the premier global launch services provider, Spaceflight is revolutionizing the business of space transportation through its comprehensive suite of launch services and Sherpa® orbital transfer vehicles. The company provides unprecedented launch flexibility to ensure customers’ smallsats get to orbit exactly when and where they want through a combination of long-standing relationships with a diverse portfolio of launch partners, innovative satellite integration capabilities, including flight and ground support hardware, licensing and logistics management, and extensive mission management expertise. Based in Seattle, Spaceflight has successfully launched more than 550 spacecraft since it was founded in 2011. It is a part of the Mitsui & Co., Ltd. portfolio, operating as an independent, U.S.-based company. For more information, visit http://www.spaceflight.com.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 thus continuing the commercialization of European space transportation and challenging established processes. The contract was implemented in a record eight weeks from RFP receipt to contract signing. The signing follows the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) microlauncher competition, which RFA won in April 2022.
Within just eight weeks of ESA’s request for proposal, RFA was able to submit a comprehensive proposal, provide clarifications, finalize the contract and already hold a kick-off meeting. Today’s signing ceremony marks the official start of the collaboration. “It is very exciting to witness the commercialization of European space transportation and to drive it forward together with ESA,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “We are proud to have the support of the German government and ESA. The speed with which we successfully moved through the process demonstrates the success of the Boost! program at ESA.”
As part of the DLR microlauncher competition, DLR announced RFA as the winner of the 2022 round in April. The prize is worth 11 million euros, which will now be implemented via Boost!. Within this framework, the German government and ESA will be an anchor customer on RFA ONE. DLR will place payload(s) of up to 150 kilograms on each of the first two launches, for which institutions and companies from Europe can apply via the currently running announcement of opportunity. “Europe has the advanced technologies and entrepreneurial spirit to transform the market for small satellite launch services,” ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander noted. “Now is the time to move quickly and demonstrate progress.”
About ESA Boost
The “Boost! – ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support” program co-funds and assists the pre-commercial development of new European space transportation services, providing flexible and tailored support to the needs of European operators pursuing privately-led developments for commercially viable new space transportation services. More information at https://www.esa.int/boost
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 milestone traction towards service commercialisation.
Augsburg, Germany – 13th July 2022 – 
Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) successfully tested its Helix engine in flight configuration for a total of 74 seconds. The test campaign consisted of long-duration hot firings of 30 and 40 seconds each. This was preceded by a short test of four seconds. All three tests were conducted with the same engine, reached the desired duration, and were subsequently shut down safely.
“Helix operated perfectly for a total duration of 74 seconds– including three ignition and shut-down sequences without the need to replace any components on the engine. This first qualification campaign also included up-throttling the engine to 130% of the nominal design point for a brief period. We are truly excited that our design has proven so reliable and performant”, said Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “We have enough data to focus our attention on the next milestone, the integrated systems test of the upper stage. In this test, Helix will fire for a full duration of an upper stage flight. We have just made a huge leap towards our first launch by completing this first qualification campaign of Helix”.
These tests conclude the Helix’ successful long duration hot-fire campaign in flight configuration. The campaign, which was conducted in Kiruna, Sweden, is the most important milestone in the development process to date: A total of 74 seconds of steady-state combustion demonstrated the engine’s endurance and multiple ignition capability. Valuable data was collected for further optimization of the engine, which is 100% IP from RFA. RFA will now focus on the integrated system test, starting with maintenance and expansion work on the test stand. The test is scheduled for the end of the year.
About staged combustion:
Back in July 2021, RFA became the first company in the European Union to successfully develop and test a staged combustion engine with a successful eight-second hot fire test. This made RFA the third commercial company in the world to successfully test a staged combustion rocket engine on a large scale.
The staged combustion technology is characterized by higher efficiency and performance compared to conventional open-cycle rocket engines. The partially unburned exhaust gases from the turbopump are fed into the main combustion chamber, avoiding the release of unburned fuel. Recycling the exhaust significantly increases the efficiency of the launch vehicle while reducing launch costs and minimizing CO2 emissions during rocket launches.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 to 150kg shall be placed on the first two flights of the RFA ONE.
“We are very pleased to have won DLR as an anchor customer and are honored by the confidence the German government is placing in us. We believe that buying services from newly emerging and commercially acting Space Transportation companies is the right direction for European spaceflight”, says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “Launching with us as in the frame of this DLR competition is a unique opportunity for many institutions and new space companies in Germany and we are working full throttle to offer a variety of innovative, reliable and affordable services – on the ground, to-orbit and on-orbit”.
RFA is developing its three-stage rocket RFA ONE, which can deliver up to 1,350 kg to a low polar Earth orbit. The rocket is 30 meters high and 2 meters wide and has reached important milestones in its development over the past year: RFA hot fired its highly efficient staged combustion engine “Helix” multiple times, is now producing the first batch of flight configuration engines and conducted a successful pressure test with its extensively reusable core stage. The RFA ONE is expected to launch up to fifty times a year in the future, delivering satellites into near-Earth orbit quickly and reliably at a highly competitive price point.
RFA has already signed a launch contract with Lunar Research Service (LRS) for its first launch and signed launch contracts with nine other customers for future launches.
About the competition:
The DLR microlauncher competition has two main objectives: It aims to strengthen commercial and cost-effective transport into orbit in Germany and to provide new impetus for German founders to develop business models that are viable in the long term. The decision for RFA was made by a jury chaired by Dr. Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy. Technical, economic and operational evaluation criteria were decisive for the selection in all competition phases. The competition is part of the Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support (C-STS) program by the European Space Agency. It was initiated and funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and conducted by the DLR.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data from space to better understand and protect our Earth. With this in mind, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage, at a highly competitive price, made possible by superior staged combustion technology, industrial automation and low-cost structures.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 campaign. Over 3,800 names were submitted, from which RFA selected its TOP 10 and put it to two public votes. “Helix” emerged as the winner of the final round with “Tycho”, “Fernweh” and “Daedalus”. A total of over 17,000 votes from all around the world were cast in both rounds.
This makes RFA the first company in the world to have its engine named by the public. The submitters were also able to provide a reason. In the case of Helix, the reason is that DNA has the shape of a helix. The DNA of the rocket is its engine, the entire rocket depends on it. It is what breathes life into the machine. Moreover, this gives new meaning to the phrase “Space is for everyone” because everyone is made of DNA.
About the Helix engine
Helix is a staged combustion engine, one of the most advanced engine types in the world. Unlike engines with an open combustion cycle, in RFA´s Helix engine the exhaust gases from an oxygen-rich preburner are fed into the main combustion chamber after driving the turbopump. The fuel is thus burned more completely, increasing Helix´s efficiency by 7%, which translates into 30% more payload capacity of the RFA ONE micro launcher. Staged combustion is also more environmentally friendly, as significantly fewer highly sooty exhaust gases are released into the atmosphere.
The Helix engine is operated with RP-1 as propellant and liquid oxygen as oxidizer, has a thrust of 100kN and an Isp of 325s (SL) / 350s (Vac). Nine Helix engines are used in the first stage, and one vacuum-optimized Helix engine in the second stage.
Dr.
Dr. Stefan Tweraser, Chief Executive Officer of RFA, said: “We were overwhelmed by the many great submissions and appreciative feedback. Many people have really put a lot of thought and love into creative, beautiful, unusual and profound names and reasons. Helix is a beautiful name with a fitting meaning. We are proud to say that our Helix engine has been named by the public and will continue on this path of participation and open communication. “Space is for everyone” is not a phrase for us, we are tackling this adventure together as humanity”.
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The launch system prototype under development shall be completed by the end of 2022. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage, at a highly competitive price, made possible by superior staged combustion technology, industrial automation and low-cost structures.
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 Complex in South Australia. Southern Launch’s orbital complex provides direct ascent into sun-synchronous and polar orbits.
The agreement will enable RFA to provide flexible, low-cost, and precise launch services with its RFA ONE from a regional spaceport in the Asia-Pacific region. This three-stage small rocket, with its highly efficient staged combustion engine and orbital stage, can deliver up to 1,350 kg to a 300-km polar orbit. The rocket is 30 meters high and 2 meters wide and has reached important milestones in its development over the past year. The RFA ONE is expected to launch up to fifty times a year in the future, delivering satellites into near-Earth orbit quickly and reliably at a highly competitive price point
The first engagement between RFA and Southern Launch was at the International Astronautical Congress, Washington in 2019, and the parties are now very pleased to have finalized and to be signing a launch services agreement at the Global Space and Technology Convention in Singapore.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA, says: “Launching from South Australia allows us to offer our launch services in a highly customer-oriented way from a regional spaceport in the Asia-Pacific region. It marks a central milestone in our strategy for a globally distributed launch capability. With various launch sites around the world, we minimize our customers’ logistics and time constraints and lay the infrastructural foundation for a weekly launch cadence. Southern Launch offers a comprehensive and competitive service to launch our rockets. We could not have wished for a better partner.”
Lloyd Damp,
Chief Executive Officer of Southern Launch, said: “We are excited to announce this partnership with Rocket Factory Augsburg AG, which will see their launcher RFA ONE launched into space from Southern Launch’s sites in South Australia. This partnership further demonstrates Australia’s world-class space launch capabilities to the international space industry.”
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: An extremely customer focused service through our orbital stage with precise in-orbit delivery, at a highly competitive price, made possible by our superior staged combustion technology, industrial automation and low-cost structure.
Southern Launch is an innovative space company providing launch services, launch sites and bespoke rocket subsystems and designs to customers. The company operates the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex located at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula to support orbital launches into the highly sought after polar and sun-synchronous orbits. In addition to the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, Southern Launch operates the suborbital Koonibba Test Range, the southern hemisphere’s largest overland suborbital rocket testing facility. The Range extends out 145 kilometers and covers over 10,000km2, making it the perfect location to launch and recover rocket and satellite technologies in the uninhabited national parks to the north. The Range provides a critical steppingstone for companies to validate their technology’s performance before launching their rockets and satellites into orbit.
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
Submitting a name can be done online at www.rfa.space/nameourengine without registration. The submission is secret and, if desired, anonymous. There are no limits to the imagination, the name just has to be serious, free of copyrights, and be able to be briefly explained and justified. All submitted names will be presented to RFA and the top ten will then be put to a public vote on Twitter and Linkedin. Two rounds will be held to determine the final name: From the initial ten names, the top three are chosen and put to a public vote again, where the final name is chosen. The votes on both platforms are added together to determine the three finalists and the winning name.
The campaign will run for four weeks. Deadline for submitting names is February 20, the first round of voting will take place on February 23, the second and final round on February 28. The final name will be officially announced on March 3. The engine’s name giver will receive an official RFA certificate, engine hardware and a package of gifts from RFA.
About the engine
The RFA engine with staged combustion is one of the most advanced engine types in the world. Unlike engines with an open combustion cycle, in RFA´s staged combustion engine the exhaust gases from an oxygen-rich preburner are fed into the main combustion chamber after driving the turbopump. The fuel is thus burned more completely, increasing the engine’s efficiency by 7%, which translates into 30% more payload capacity of the RFA ONE micro launcher. Staged combustion is also more environmentally friendly, as significantly fewer highly sooty exhaust gases are released into the atmosphere.
The RFA engine is operated with RP-1 as propellant and liquid oxygen as oxidizer, has a thrust of 100kN and an Isp of 325s (SL) / 350s (Vac). Nine engines are used in the first stage, and one vacuum-optimized engine in the second stage.
Dr. Stefan Tweraser, Chief Executive Officer of RFA, says: “Part of our vision at RFA is to democratize access to space. However, this does not only refer to payloads. We want to be as transparent and open as possible and let everyone participate in our journey and development. Today, we want to go one step further and let the public play an active role in shaping it. The final name, perhaps suggested by a young boy or girl, will shape European spaceflight for years to come. And everyone who voted for that name will know they had a hand in it.”
Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA, adds: “The RFA staged combustion engine is leading-edge technology combining performance and efficiency with modern, cost-effective manufacturing. Our staged combustion engine is the first of its kind in the European Union and will launch numerous satellites into low Earth orbit, as well as into higher orbits and even to the Moon, to better understand and protect our Earth. We are eagerly looking forward to a name that carries and reflects that spirit. Naming this engine is a truly unique opportunity and the name will become part of many articles, stories and conversations.”
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 take place end of 2022 from Andøya, Norway, will be the maiden flight of the German-developed launch vehicle.
Lunar Research Service will use the results of the mission to improve its ground-orbit communications and test a solar concentrator that will be used in the upcoming lunar mission. Among the features of the mission are proprietary satellite design and a developed in-house deployment system.
“Ride-sharing opportunities let new space companies quickly prove their technologies to customers as well as to investors. At the same time, our customers can significantly reduce their time-to-market. By helping startups, research labs and scientists at the earliest stages of their development, we form a solid foundation for long-term partnership during their technology testing”, says Dmytro Khmara, CEO of Lunar Research Service.
“We are very happy to sign with LRS as a customer on our first launch. The contract is a demonstration of our attractive rideshare service pricing. We are honored by the trust from LRS to embark on our maiden launch and are looking forward to its joint preparation. We can hardly wait and are eager to fly customers into orbit,” says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA,” says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA.
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About Lunar Research Service
Lunar Research Service is a nano-satellite manufacturer, hardware testing lab, and space mission integrator. The company’s efforts are focused on developing solutions for Earth orbit and lunar missions, enabling hardware and software ranging from single nano-satellites to constellations and lunar rovers.
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 together in the field of propulsion technology in the future.
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About Morpheus
Morpheus Space is introducing a fully integrated ecosystem for satellite mobility that enables truly dynamic satellite constellations, the future of the New Space economy; a fusion between cutting edge electric propulsion and artificial intelligence. Its solution package enables satellite service providers to operate entire constellations as one entity by utilizing the world’s smallest and most efficient space qualified (TRL-9) propulsion system servicing satellites. For more information, visit www.morpheus-space.com.
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 satellite customers flexible and cost-effective launch services. They mutually benefit from each other’s experience, methods and networks.
The common goal of both companies is to provide small satellite operators with flexible and cost-effective access to space. The MoU reflects a mutual desire to work closely together to facilitate the launch of small satellites into their final operational orbit. The RFA ONE launch vehicle, developed by RFA, will be used to deliver the reusable orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) “VIA” to near-earth orbit as well as provide resupply flights.
The agreement was finalized back in early October, now to be announced at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany.
“From the beginning, we designed our RFA ONE to be compatible with other transfer vehicles. Lúnasa’s reusable “VIA” are optimal complements to our own launch vehicle technology and allow us to offer our launch services in an even more diversified and tailored way,” says Dr. Stefan Tweraser, Chief Executive Officer of RFA.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA, adds, “The compatibility of our rocket with a wide range of OTV’s is a key element of our business case and goes hand in hand with our vision of making space accessible to everyone – easily, quickly and with low cost.”
“Lúnasa and RFA’s objectives are well aligned in the desire to enable SMEs, universities and other entities to innovate and provide services and technologies otherwise dominated by larger companies due to prohibitive cost of access to space. We believe this will remove some of the barriers to entry and stimulate the space market with even more competitive and cutting edge products whilst creating more jobs,” says Amin Chabi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lúnasa.
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About Lúnasa
Lúnasa Space is a Space-Tech start-up based in London and founded in early 2021 by Amin Chabi, CEO. The company brings together a team of highly skilled space engineers to realize the company’s vision: With its reusable OTV, Lúnasa Space aims to accelerate the world’s transition to affordable, reliable and sustainable access to space. The platform “VIA” uses modern space technology to be transformed into a reusable vehicle where it can deploy several rideshare missions over its lifetime and make access to space very affordable and frequent for the small satellite industry.
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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.
RFA will launch Plus Ultra’s demonstrator mission towards the end of 2023 on the RFA ONE launch system. Plus Ultra’s first satellite will launch into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), from where it will use its own propulsion to reach lunar orbit and become the first satellite to initialize Plus Ultra’s cislunar constellation “Harmony”. The satellite will also be the first private orbiter with electric propulsion going to and orbiting the Moon.
Through Harmony’s commercial communications and navigation services for upcoming lunar missions, Plus Ultra will change the paradigm of lunar operations. It’ll turn communications and navigation from a carefully managed resource into an on-demand, dependable service that enables new capabilities on the Moon, like continuous remote operations, pinpoint landings, precise surface navigation, and polar and far side access.
The satellite will reach its operational orbit in 2024, providing the first 24/7 high-speed broadband communications of up to 100 Mbps per user between the Moon, including cislunar orbit, and anywhere on Earth.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer from RFA: “It is very encouraging to see new business models emerge for commercial services in the cis-lunar orbit. We are particularly proud that Plus Ultra has chosen our launch system RFA ONE confirming our traction in the launch service market.”
Carlos Manuel Entrena Utrilla, founder and CEO of Plus Ultra, said: “We are aiming to become the backbone of the cis-lunar industry. With more than 140 lunar missions planned for this decade, more than all Moon missions in history combined, the upcoming lunar market is prime for disruption.”
Sebastian Ströhl, founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Plus Ultra said: “RFA’s launch vehicle fits our needs perfectly in performance and price, and will allow us to get an early start in the race for the lunar economy.”
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About Plus Ultra Space Outpost
Plus Ultra is a new European company based in Spain, Germany and Luxembourg aiming to deploy and operate a satellite constellation for the Moon, required for the accelerated development and sustainability of the fast-growing lunar economy. With this game changing communication and navigation infrastructure, offering global highspeed broadband connectivity and precise navigation on the Moon and cislunar orbit, Plus Ultra aims to become the backbone of the lunar economy. For clients this means commercial and scientific ROI maximisation, maximum access to the Moon and to cislunar orbit, substantial risk minimisation as well as significant cost reduction.
Plus Ultra’s constellation “Harmony” is projected to begin its initial operations in 2024.
Press Contact Plus Ultra:
Harry Pirrwitz
Email: harry@ciceroandfriends.com
Mobile: +44 (0)73 9252 5980
Press Contact for RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA: “We are happy to support Neutron Star Systems’ in-orbit demonstration mission with our rideshare program on the RFA ONE launch systems. Their propulsion system has the potential to disrupt satellite propulsion, and we are proud to enable this endeavor.”
Manuel La Rosa Betancourt, Chief Executive Officer of NSS: “Neutron Star Systems is committed to secure the development of this technology in Europe and to the strengthening of the vibrant German space ecosystem. By demonstrating this capability we do not only advance the TRL of SUPREME but also make a contribution towards Europe’s non dependence and leadership in enabling technologies objectives.”
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About Neutron Star Systems
Neutron Star Systems is a new-space start-up headquartered in Cologne, Germany, focused on the development of superconductor-based spacecraft systems. NSS core product is an Electric Propulsion system combining High-Temperature Superconductors with Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters, providing greater scalability, efficiency, and operational flexibility, and enabling more powerful and more capable spacecraft while cutting costs by up to billions of dollars. Alongside the German headquarters, NSS runs operations in London, UK, and Colorado Springs, USA.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 its small satellite, called E.T.PACK, into near-Earth orbit at mid-inclination. E.T.PACK is a deorbit device that will demonstrate a novel electrodynamic tether technology for deorbiting satellites and launcher upper stages without chemical or electrical propulsion. The flight is of high interest for RFA since the potential adoption of SENER Aeroespacial technology in the future can be an asset for the RFA ONE launch system.
The signing of the agreement took place on October 26 during the IAC 2021 exhibition in Dubai, between the Chief Commercial Officer of RFA, Jörn Spurmann, and the Director of Institutional Space Department of SENER Aeroespacial, Augusto Caramagno.
“We are very pleased to have won SENER Aeroespacial as a customer. After very trusting discussions, we were able to offer a customized launch service tailored precisely to their requirements. We benefited from the fact that we were able to convince SENER Aeroespacial not only with our price, but above all with our service. This speaks for the competitiveness of RFA ONE,” says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA.
“The launch of E.T.PACK with RFA is a wonderful opportunity not only of receiving a high quality service, but also to forge a very profitable cooperation between the two companies. RFA is a perfect partner for our E.T.PACK technology demonstration since the deorbiting of launcher upper stages is a key application for our system” says Augusto Caramagno, Director of Institutional Space Department of SENER Aeroespacial.
E.T.PACK, an autonomous deorbiting kit
E.T.PACK is a FET-OPEN project funded with €3million by the European Commission, developed by SENER Aeroespacial and UC3M together with other partners of the E.T.PACK’s consortium. This deorbit device is a small “kit” that will be mounted on launcher upper stages and satellites in the future and will allow those spacecrafts to be eliminated at the end-of-life, instead of the actual trend of leaving them in orbit. The drag force on the electrodynamic tether causes the re-entry of the satellite and its elimination at the upper layers of the atmosphere. Unlike conventional technologies, it does not need a propellant and works passively.
E.T.PACK aims to provide a light, low-cost and highly effective system that will be able to communicate with the ground, stabilize a satellite of mass up to 1,000 kg and control the deorbiting maneuver to prevent collisions with other objects.
Therefore, the launch of SENER Aerospacial’s satellite with the E.T.PACK technology demonstrator will be a decisive step in validating this innovative technology.
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About SENER Aeroespacial
SENER Aeroespacial has been a leading supplier of high performance aerospace systems for Space, Defense and Science for more than 50 years, with high added value technological developments. In Space, it supplies electromechanical components and systems, navigation systems (GNC/AOCS), communications, astronomy and optics systems to satellites and space vehicles for NASA, ESA, JAXA and Roscosmos. Institutes and companies such as CNES, Airbus Space & Defense, Thales Space, OHB, RUAG, SELEX and CSIC also number among its clients. SENER Aeroespacial is part of the SENER engineering and technology group, founded in 1956. The SENER Group has 2,350 professionals in offices in five continents.
For more information, please visit: www.aeroespacial.sener/en
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 vehicles, profit from this cooperation as well as customers worldwide, which get tailored launch services to unique orbits at the most competitive prices.
The partnership will offer launch opportunities that are currently undersupplied to the market. Larger rideshare missions are often confined to orbits driven by popular demand, while smaller launch vehicles below the 1 ton performance threshold have limitations in the orbits they can offer. The performance of the RFA vehicle of 1300 kg to LEO offers the benefits of a dedicated launch with greater flexibility to get your spacecraft to where it needs to go. While CST’s experienced management team can capture and implement unique logistical, contractual and supply chain requirements that are often unavailable for larger rideshare launches. This combination of unique technology and skills can support customers on range-unique missions, such as:
Dr. Stefan Tweraser, Chief Executive Officer of RFA, says: “The demand for simple polar, but also highly elliptical polar orbits is steadily increasing. RFA can offer its customers not only precise delivery in these orbits, but also a comprehensive package of end-to-end services in cooperation with CST. Our customers can thus be assured that their flight into the near-Earth orbit will be custom-tailored, reliable, fast and affordable.”
Alan Webb, Managing Director of CST, says: “We have been approached several times in the past by customers looking for ‘exotic’ launches to orbits like Molniya. It has been disappointing to have to turn such customers away because the launch options simply aren’t available. We are therefore delighted to partner with RFA and broaden the portfolio of launch options we can offer our customers. Furthermore, market trends and our own experience indicates demand for these launches will only increase, thus adding immense value to this partnership and the bespoke solutions it can offer.”
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
About Commercial Space Technologies
Commercial Space Technologies Ltd. has been consulting to public and private organisations on emerging technologies and markets in the space industry since its foundation in 1983. Averaging 20 consultancy projects a year, CST has a repository of over 750 studies that allows it to accurately predict trends and opportunities for its customers. It has also been identifying and brokering bespoke launch solutions for the small satellite community for 30 years – with over 100 years of combined experience in the field, CST is one of the longest lasting and experienced launch brokers in the world. With this experience, CST is well placed to support small satellite customers with unique and challenging launch requirements.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 region at Google, and worked at the music streaming service Deezer, at the startup Snapshot and at the renowned consulting firm McKinsey & Company. With a doctorate in economics, he thus brings with him a wealth of experience from various industries, in which he drove innovative and future-oriented developments in management positions.
Given the rapid technological advances, increased success in the market and strong growth in personnel, the Executive and Supervisory Board of RFA believe that now is the right time to complement and broaden the Executive Board.
Dr. Stefan Tweraser on his new role: “The commercial use of space will change fundamentally in the coming decade. New space-based business models are emerging and innovative launch vehicles – with a strong focus on cost and customer orientation – are a cornerstone of this positive dynamic. RFA has made great strides by combining cutting-edge technology with innovative manufacturing processes. The team has also already succeeded in developing a promising commercial pipeline. I am very excited to lead RFA – together with the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board – to the next stage of our exciting journey.”
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “We deliberately looked for someone with extensive experience in managing enterprises outside the space sector to bring new expertise and additional impetus to the next steps of RFA’s development. After a very intensive process, we asked Stefan to join RFA’s Executive Board and add to the great expertise and space experience already there. We now have the complete board we need to lead RFA – together with a great team – to a successful development and operation.”
Marco Fuchs, Supervisory Board member: “We are very pleased with RFA’s progress to date. Stefan’s background and leadership will be instrumental in helping RFA achieve sustainable growth.”
Hans Steininger, Supervisory Board member: “European and global competition in the micro launcher vehicle segment will be intense, but we plan to be a leader in this competition. Based on his experience in a wide range of industries, Stefan will lead the RFA team to exploit this potential.”
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer: “RFA is one of the fastest growing start-ups in the New Space scene. Stefan’s experience in leading large organizations is very valuable for our further development. He has great ideas and approaches on how we will maintain our rapid pace as a growing company and convince more investors of our vision.”
Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer: “We are very excited that Stefan has decided to take on the position as CEO of RFA. Under his leadership, we will further professionalize RFA’s processes and structures. This will help us to transform our rapid technological progress into a sustainable business model.”
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by its orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 the event was a top-class panel followed by a Q&A round, among others with Thomas Jarzombek, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace, who said: “What you are creating here is not only a test, but a role model for a lot of deep tech fields. You have done it differently compared to the way it has been done before in Europe. This opens the market more. RFA is one of the rising startups and very attractive to the market.”
Besides Thomas Jarzombek, the panel consisted of Jeanne Medvedeva (Vice President of Launch at Exolaunch), Rüdeger Albat (Head of Future Preparation and Ariane 5 at the European Space Agency) and Frank Thelen (series-founder and New Space Investor). They discussed the commercialization of European spaceflight and what role micro launchers and staged combustion engines play in it.
With staged combustion technology, Rocket Factory Augsburg is developing an engine that will be more powerful, efficient and cleaner than most launch vehicles currently on the market. Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Factory, explained: “The most fascinating thing is certainly the fuel efficiency. At the end of the day, staged combustion is about 6-8% more fuel efficient and this relates into a 30% increase in payload capacity and in less environmental pollution”.
RFA´s goal is to provide easy, fast and affordable access to space, also for a commercialized European space economy. Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of Rocket Factory, sees commercial development and free competition as desirable: „Data from space will open up entirely new business opportunities, and these will require a cost-effective, reliable transport into orbit. European tax payers should not pay for the development of launch systems, while commercial companies are stepping in. Europe should evolve and act as a customer procuring the transportation service.”
The panelists agreed that customers are becoming more demanding and have more precise ideas. The demand for affordable, reliable and flexible dedicated mission would increase. “Micro launchers and their fast and agile development are something which is crucial to keep the speed of innovation in Europe. Staged combustion engines allow to shrink rockets and use much less resources. The smaller launchers will provide more performance at much less costs. We are building up a new ecosystem which surrounds the earth and is becoming the 8th continent.” added Rüdeger Albat, giving a great insight into what to expect from New Space.
Staged combustion technology is characterized by higher efficiency and performance compared to conventional open-cycle rocket engines. The partially unburned exhaust gases from the turbopump are fed back to the main combustion chamber, avoiding the release of unburned propellant. Recycling the exhaust gases significantly increases launch vehicle efficiency while reducing launch costs and minimizing CO2 emissions from rocket launches. These special features enable RFA to offer unmatched prices and thus lead the global competition for low-cost launchers.
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture out of stainless steel using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery by our orbital stage, and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
Press Contact:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Phone +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
Augsburg, Germany – 23th July 2021 – Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG has successfully tested its entire engine with staged combustion over eight seconds. The test, which was conducted in Kiruna, Sweden, represents another important milestone in the development process: The eight-second burn time with a stable combustion is regarded in the industry as proof that an engine is fully functional, reaching a thermal steady-state across all engine components.
“The engine ran for over eight seconds, meeting all the parameters we wanted. All systems worked perfectly. We are thus continuing our successful test series and feel confirmed in our decision to develop engines with staged combustion technology in Europe as well,” said Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, the company’s Chief Operating Officer
“Our advanced engine – along with our low-cost industrial production and our orbital stage – is one of our three key advantages. It allows us not only to reduce costs for our customers, but also to transport up to 30 percent more payload to the desired orbit,” adds Jörn Spurmann, RFA’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Back in June, RFA became the first Western European company to commission a staged combustion engine with a successful two-second hot fire test. At the same time, RFA is the ninth company worldwide to have successfully tested a rocket engine with staged combustion in full scale. Staged combustion is the technological backbone of some of the world’s most successful space companies and has been limited to the United States, Russia, China, India, Japan and Ukraine. The U.S. companies SpaceX and Blue Origin were the last private companies to develop this sophisticated technology with the “Raptor” and the “BE-4” engine.
Staged combustion technology is characterized by higher efficiency and performance compared to conventional open-cycle rocket engines. The partially unburned exhaust gases from the turbopump are fed back to the main combustion chamber, avoiding the release of unburned propellant. Recycling the exhaust gases significantly increases launch vehicle efficiency while reducing launch costs and minimizing CO2 emissions from rocket launches. These special features enable RFA to offer unmatched prices and thus lead the global competition for low-cost launchers.
About RFA
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
For more information, visit: www.rfa.space
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Email: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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), officially opens their offices in Matosinhos, Portugal. This newly formed product engineering and manufacturing partnership with Portugal will provide a competitive edge to RFA’s business case and catalyze the launch vehicle development. Through the expansion of the development team to Portugal, RFA increases its European footprint leverage the broad talent pool as well as development capabilities in Europe. RFA already operates a site in Sweden for engine test and qualification activities and recently baselined the Norwegian Andoya Space Port for launch.
During the inauguration, a multi-million Euro agreement was signed with AICEP, the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency. The agreement targets the development and qualification of RFA ONE’s launch system composite structures in close collaboration with Portugal’s Centre of Engineering and Product Development in Matosinhos (CEiiA). The hardware will be designed and manufactured using advanced composite materials that allow for higher launch-vehicle performances and lower production costs. RFA Portugal, together with CEiiA, will invest 9 million Euros over three years and lead the subsequent industrialization efforts.
Manuel Heitor, Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education explained: “The development of micro-launchers in Europe is a critically relevant step to foster European autonomy and resilience in space. This will help to promote skilled employment, along with new markets, to foster the green transition of our societies in conjunction with emerging opportunities in the European digital transition.”
“It is a great pleasure to welcome RFA to Portugal. The signature of this investment contract is an important step to put Portugal at the forefront of innovation in such a pioneering sector as the “rocket” industry, proving talent is the key success factor. In fact, this partnership with CEiiA proves once again the enormous capability of our engineering talent. A decade ago, Portugal was doing its first steps in the aeronautical sector. Now we are entering a new era, planting the seeds of the Space Industry in our country!”, said Luís Castro Henriques, Chairman & CEO of AICEP.
“Opening our facilities in Matosinhos and signing the agreement with AICEP Portugal covers two big milestones for the development of Europe’s most competitive launch service”, says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “Portugal is home to some fine engineering and the composite structures produced there will be very difficult to compete with”, adds Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA.
“The establishment of this partnership with RFA is a good example of CEiiA’s unique role in attracting complete development programs in high-tech sectors, from concept to industrialization of advanced products, that allow not only to generate value, but also to fix it in our country, while competitively positioning Portugal on the space industry map”, said Tiago Rebelo, technical director at CEiiA.
About AICEP:
Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency is a government entity focused on attracting productive investment, increasing exports, and internationalizing Portuguese businesses to boost the country’s economy. AICEP is a “one-stop shop” agency and the ideal business partner for those looking to invest in Portugal or to purchase Portuguese products and services. With offices in Portugal and abroad, AICEP supports international companies investing in Portugal through project analysis and by helping select installation sites and human resources. Its current president is Luís Castro Henriques. For further information, please visit: www.portugalglobal.pt
About RFA
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation and lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion systems using staged-combustion.
For more information, visit: www.rfa.space
About CEiiA
CEiiA is a Centre of Engineering and Product Development focused on fostering sustainability and quality of life, while addressing complex challenges across the board and working in high-tech sectors such as, automotive and mobility, aeronautics, ocean and space. CEiiA’s vision is to establish Portugal as a reference within these high-tech industries, contributing to a more sustainable society, and developing technologies, products and systems conceived, industrialized and operated from Portugal. CEiiA operates in the global market, having a subsidiary in Brazil and engineering teams deployed in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and Italy. Currently, CEiiA has a team of +300 Researchers and Engineers presently involved in Development & Engineering activities with integrated product and process development methodologies, based upon full capabilities for product development including concept, design, research, engineering, prototyping and testing of materials and full-scale structures. www.ceiia.com
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Email: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Interested in featuring us?
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 its full-scale staged combustion engine. During the 2-second test, which was carried out in Kiruna (Sweden), RFA successfully commissioned the first staged combustion engine in Western Europe. Staged combustion technology is characterized by higher efficiencies and performances compared to traditional rocket engine designs. The partially unburnt exhaust gases from the turbopump are fed back to the main combustion chamber, thereby avoiding the release of unburned fuel. The recycling of the exhaust gases significantly increases the overall efficiency of the launch vehicle while reducing launch costs and also minimizing CO2-footprints of the launch activity. This ground-breaking achievement allows RFA to offer unmatched prices, putting them ahead in the global race for low-cost space launch.
“The successful test of our full-scale staged combustion engine reinforces our claim for market leadership,” said Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our technology allows us to carry 30 percent more payload into space at the same cost to the customer”, adds Jörn Spurmann, RFA’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Two planned milestones were already reached at the beginning of May of this year. In the so-called “power-pack test”, the turbopump and pre-burner were started and operated in a stable, steady-state thermo-mechanical condition for a total burn-time of 8 seconds. In the next development step, the first ignitions of the main combustion chamber were conducted, after which the test team connected the “power pack” to all systems of the full-scale engine and performed the complete system-level test.
RFA stands-out as the ninth company worldwide to have successfully tested a full-scale rocket engine using staged combustion. Staged combustion is the technological backbone of some of the world’s most successfully space companies and to this point, was limited to the United States, Russia, China, India, Japan and Ukraine. The US companies SpaceX and Blue Origin were the latest private companies to have developed this sophisticated technology with the “Raptor” full-flow staged combustion engine and “BE-4” staged combustion engine.
About RFA
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the mission to significantly reduce launch costs in the space industry. The company’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 which can launch satellites into low Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. The RFA ONE launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-efficient architecture using industrial automation, lowest-possible development costs, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion systems using staged combustion.
For more information, visit: www.rfa.space
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Press Release
Email: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 the first years of operation for us. We are very happy that Europe’s most advanced rocket launch complex is partnering with us. We have everything in place now from launch site, over customers to traction on the development program to get the first launch campaign going”, says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA. “Flexible access to space from continental Europe aids RFA in offering its customers the best and most cost-effective launch service for their payloads.”
“A partnership with Rocket Factory is another big milestone for the European New Space Industry”, says Odd Roger Enoksen, CEO and President of Andøya Space. “We look forward to supporting their ambitious launch cadence from our spaceport. Our relationship with RFA has grown strong through the past years and we are particularly proud that RFA continues to be part of our vision to create a competitive European New Space industry.”
“Andøya’s unique location allows us to offer a flexible, ultra-competitive launch service for orbital inclinations ranging from 87 to 108 degrees. The launch site is easily accessible within Europe and can help to strengthen our space launch industry”, Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operational Officer of RFA added.
RFA is at the forefront of worldwide launch vehicle development for NewSpace with its state-of-the-art staged combustion engine technology. This high-performance engine design, coupled with the most cost-effective production techniques possible, is essentially new to Europe. With OHB’s support, RFA has succeeded in acquiring key technologies and key talent that will drive the RFA ONE launch vehicle business case to global market dominance. Recent fire tests have shown that RFA is on a successful path to establishing Europe’s most efficient and powerful rocket motor technology.
Andøya Space got their zonal area approval September 2020 and have permit for 30 launches per year from their new spaceport 35 km south of the existing launch site. The spaceport’s location, 69 degrees north and above the Arctic circle on the coastline of Andøya in Nordland county with a flightpath that ensures a trajectory whose ground track does not cross populated areas. Andøya Space, provides launch pads, payload integration facilities as well as the technical infrastructure on site.
About Andøya Space
Andøya Space has provided launch services for sounding rockets since 1962. The company is also involved in scientific ground-based instrumentation, unmanned aircraft, space education and testing/verification of new technologies. Andøya Space is from 2022 expanding its portfolio to include a launch site for small satellites to polar and sun-synchronous orbit. Andøya Space AS is 90 % owned by The Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Fisheries.
For more information: https://www.andoyaspace.no
About RFA
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger and German satellite company OHB SE. The goal of the start-up is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022, which will lift satellites into low-Earth orbit on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices. Rocket Factory aims for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is to combine highest system performances with ultra-low-cost manufacturing and design principles. Rocket Factory will deliver satellites precisely into orbit with a unique orbital transfer vehicle, thinking space transportation from the satellite and customer point of view. The launcher will offer an end-to-end solution with its last mile delivery service. The launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: ultra-low-cost architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology. The start-up has established itself in Augsburg and currently has a team of 85 (as of February 2021) New Space veterans from 25 different nationalities, with a demonstrated track-record established in international launch vehicle development projects.
For more information, visit: www.rfa.space
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata
Email: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
Press Contact Andøya Space Orbital:
Audhild Dahlstrøm
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: audhild.dahlstroem@andoyaspace.no
Tel.: +47 907 98 610
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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, both signed a contract for a dedicated launch with German-based launch service provider, Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), for upcoming missions scheduled for mid-2024 and 2025.
“OHB Cosmos and Rocket Factory share a common philosophy to provide the most customer-centric service at the lowest possible prices. OHB Cosmos with its extensive experience in launching satellites manufactured by the OHB group for its commercial and institutional customers, has now found its perfect match with RFA and its RFA ONE launch vehicle.” says Lutz Bertling, Chief Strategy & Development Officer at OHB. “Launching with a German-based launch provider simplifies and speeds up the whole process of launching payloads into orbit. We want to offer the most reliable and fastest launch service to our customers and are convinced that RFA will play a key role in improving the launch experience for our customers.”
“Signing with OHB Cosmos and LuxSpace demonstrates the competitiveness of RFA ONE”, says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “We are particularly proud that both companies picked RFA ONE over the numerous launch service providers they have previously been working with. Launching European-built spacecraft with a launch vehicle developed in Germany marks a significant milestone for Europe in its way to achieve independent access to space that secures prosperity for the next generations by fostering innovation and technological progress.”
OHB Cosmos is the launch service provider of the OHB group. The company features a proven track record of organizing and conducting launches for institutional and commercial customers. OHB Cosmos is trusted by governments and institutions around the world and has launched all of the German Bundeswehr’s SAR-Lupe satellites. Recently, OHB Cosmos demonstrated its capabilities to conduct responsive launches. In January 2021, the company launched a customer’s spacecraft within a seven-month timeline. This marked a novelty on the commercial satellite launch market.
LuxSpace is the small satellite platforms expert of the OHB group and a provider of integrated applications and services. The company boosts a heritage in delivering microsatellite solutions for both global institutional and commercial customers, including the recently launched ESAIL satellite, powered by LuxSpace’s Triton-2 platform and developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency and exactEarth. ESAIL broke records in February 2021 by capturing two million AIS messages from ships at sea in a single day.
Rocket Factory, a start-up backed by the German satellite maker OHB as a strategic investor and Venture Capital firm Apollo Capital Partners, is currently developing a launcher system called RFA One for small satellites with a payload performance of up to 1300kg to low earth orbit (LEO). The first launch is scheduled for the end of 2022. The company recently qualified the upper stage tank system during cryogenic tests and currently is running a test campaign to hot-fire the main engine in Esrange, Sweden.
“Through its one-of-a-kind orbital stage, RFA ONE offers unrivalled in-orbit flexibility and injection accuracy, which is exactly what our customers demand for their very specific and critical missions.”, states Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins, Managing Director at OHB Cosmos. “Our intention with this contract is to secure a launch opportunity for one of our customers’ planned launches in 2024. This launch agreement allows us to cater to all our customers’ requirements at the best possible price point.”
Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA, adds: “We are super excited to see RFA ONE entering into service with OHB Cosmos and LuxSpace. The RFA ONE launch system combines the most competitive payload capacity within its class with a disruptively low launch price. This is possible only by employing the most efficient propulsion technology available today: staged combustion. In addition to that, RFA ONE features a unique orbital stage to precisely position our customers’ payloads in their target orbits through additional on-orbit maneuvers, including inclination- and RAAN changes.”
“LuxSpace enables the space ambitions of business leaders and institutions requiring reliable platforms and integrated services to successfully fulfil their mission’s objectives. RFA ONE, through its one-of-a-kind orbital stage offers us the injection accuracy we are looking for to serve our customers. We are convinced that this launch service will set the bar for all missions to follow and are excited to partner with them”, says Edgar Milic, Chief Executive Officer at LuxSpace.
RFA is at the forefront of the global new-space launch vehicle development, with its state-of-the-art staged-combustion engine technology. This high-performance engine technology, coupled to lowest-possible-cost production techniques, is essentially new to Europe, and through the support of OHB, RFA managed to acquire key technologies and key talent that will propel the business case of the RFA One launch vehicle to allow it to compete on a global scale. Recent firing tests have demonstrated that RFA is on a winning path to resolve Europe’s most efficient and most powerful rocket engine technology. Recently, RFA won the first round of the German micro-launcher competition of the German Space Agency DLR, which granted RFA with a letter of support to receive 500.000 € of funding within ESA’s Boost! programme. In the next round of the competition, DLR and ESA will award a launch contract worth 11.000.000 € for institutional payloads.
About OHB Cosmos
OHB Cosmos is the launch service provider of the OHB group with more than 20 years of international experience in bringing satellites into their intended orbits. We are responsible for launching the spacecraft built by the group’s satellite manufacturers based in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Sweden. Usually the capacity of the launch vehicle is not fully utilized by the main payloads. This further capacity is offered by OHB COSMOS to satellite operators and manufacturers around the world as Rideshare Launch Service at a very attractive price and in excellent quality. Our portfolio also includes a wide range of well-founded technical support such as the integration of various satellites on a launcher or custom-made adapter, deployer and dispenser or even fairing modifications.
For more information, visit: www.ohb-cosmos.de
About LuxSpace:
Founded in 2004 as a daughter company of OHB SE and with headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, LuxSpace is provider of the innovative and reliable Triton microsatellites product line, which includes the recently launched record-setting ESAIL AIS satellite, powered by LuxSpace’s Triton-2 platform, and the new highly scalable Triton-X platform. LuxSpace further complements its portfolio with integrated application and data services, successfully enabling the missions of institutional and commercial customers.
For more information, visit: http://www.luxspace.lu
About Rocket Factory:
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger and German aerospace company OHB SE. The start-up’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 that can transport satellites to low-Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices. Rocket Factory is aiming for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is to combine maximum performance with extremely cost-effective manufacturing processes and design principles. The experts plan the concept of the rocket from the perspective of the satellites and the customers: Rocket Factory will precisely launch satellites into the desired orbits using a unique orbital stage. The launcher will thus provide an end-to-end delivery service for the last mile. The launcher combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-effective architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology. The startup employs a team of 85 (as of April 2021) New Space experts from 25 different countries in Augsburg, Germany, who have previous experience in other launcher projects.
For further information, please visit: www.rfa.space
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata
Email: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 subsidiary of German launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) successfully concluded the contractual negotiations to develop composite structures of its launch vehicle RFA ONE together with CEiiA, a Portuguese Engineering and Development Center based in Matosinhos, North of Portugal. The announcement took place during the event “Space in the Recovery of Portugal and Europe” in Lisbon, to be followed by a visit to the island of Santa Maria, Azores.
Manuel Heitor, Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education that the installation of RFA Portugal opens a new phase of the Portuguese strategy for space and a new moment towards the effective use of Space systems in the recovery of Portugal and Europe. Developing micro launchers in Europe is a critically relevant step to foster European autonomy and resilience in space and to help promoting skilled employment, together with new markets to foster the green transition of our societies in articulation with the emerging opportunities of digital transition. It is a step forward in the “European New space for people”.
“We are currently experiencing very exciting times in European space. New markets are forming that new, young companies want to conquer commercially. A number of startups are currently developing microlaunchers around the world. I am convinced that this market of low-cost and industrially manufactured launchers will be highly lucrative. That is why I am very pleased that we are entering into a joint venture with Rocket Factory Augsburg and CEiiA for the design and industrialization of microlaunchers in Portugal. Portugal is an emerging country in European space and especially in the field of microlaunchers. I am very much looking forward to the collaboration.”, said Marco Fuchs, Board Member of RFA and the CEO of OHB SE the major space integrator in Europe.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome RFA to Portugal. This investment project is an important step to put Portugal at the forefront of innovation in such a pioneering sector as the rocket industry, proving talent is key. In fact, this partnership with CEIIA proves once again the enormous capability of our engineering talent. A decade ago, Portugal was starting the aeronautical sector. Now, we are entering a new era, planting the seeds of the Space Industry in our country. We are launching the Space Era!”, said Luís Castro Henriques, Chairman & CEO of AICEP.
The project scope comprises the development and qualification of the orbital stage and payload fairing structures made from advanced CFRP materials aiming for serial production. RFA Portugal will invest 9 million euros over a duration of three years with the clear goal of the subsequent industrialization in Portugal. The investment will be supported by AICEP.
“We are honored to play such a vital role in the Portuguese space industry. PT Space is doing a fantastic job with their space strategy. The partnership supported by AICEP will enable launcher development in Portugal, leveraging the highly-skilled talent pool in Portugal combined with the industrialization know-how from Germany,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA and Managing Director at RFA Portugal.
Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA, added, “The orbital stage and the payload fairing developed in this project play a critical role with respect to launcher capabilities. The concept of serial production is new to the launcher industry and we are excited to go this path with our Portuguese development partner CEiiA leveraging their unrivalled track-record with respect to developing ultra-competitive composite products.”
“We are currently starting the prototyping phase of the orbital stage demonstrator together with RFA Portugal under ESA’s C-STS program based on the great support from the Portuguese Space Agency, PT Space. Kicking off this contract with the development of these complex space components towards the series production and qualification of composite launcher structures is the next logical step. We are happy to contribute to RFA’s vision and humbled to have been selected to undertake this extraordinary challenge.” said Tiago Rebelo, technical director at CEiiA.
About AICEP:
Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency is a government entity focused on attracting productive investment, increasing exports, and internationalizing Portuguese businesses to boost the country’s economy. AICEP is a “one-stop shop” agency and the ideal business partner for those looking to invest in Portugal or to purchase Portuguese products and services. With offices in Portugal and abroad, AICEP supports international companies investing in Portugal through project analysis and by helping select installation sites and human resources. Its current president is Luís Castro Henriques. For further information, please visit: www.portugalglobal.pt
About RFA:
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger and German aerospace company OHB SE. The start-up’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 that can transport satellites to low-Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices. Rocket Factory is aiming for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is to combine maximum performance with extremely cost-effective manufacturing processes and design principles. The experts plan the concept of the rocket from the perspective of the satellites and the customers: Rocket Factory will precisely launch satellites into the desired orbits using a unique orbital stage. The launcher will thus provide an end-to-end delivery service for the last mile. The launcher combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-effective architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology. The startup employs a team of 85 (as of April 2021) New Space experts from 25 different countries in Augsburg, Germany, who have previous experience in other launcher projects. For further information, please visit: https://www.rfa.space
About CEiiA
CEiiA is a Centre of Engineering and Product Development focused on fostering sustainability and quality of life, while addressing complex challenges across the board and working in high-tech sectors such as, automotive and mobility, aeronautics, ocean and space. CEiiA’s vision is to establish Portugal as a reference within these high-tech industries, contributing to a more sustainable society, and developing technologies, products and systems conceived, industrialized and operated from Portugal. CEiiA operates in the global market, having a subsidiary in Brazil and engineering teams deployed in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and Italy. Currently, CEiiA has a team of +300 Researchers and Engineers presently involved in Development & Engineering activities with integrated product and process development methodologies, based upon full capabilities for product development including concept, design, research, engineering, prototyping and testing of materials and full-scale structures.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 (RFA), for an upcoming mission scheduled for mid-2024.
“OHB Sweden and Rocket Factory share a common philosophy to provide the highest quality and reliability at the lowest possible prices. OHB Sweden with its extensive experience of over three decades in the design, development and testing of low-cost small satellite missions has found its counterpart in the launch service market.”, said Benoit Mathieu, Managing Director at OHB Sweden. “We are closely following the development activities of RFA from the very beginning. The team has shown an impressive track record over the last two years and we are confident that RFA will keep this pace for the upcoming milestones. Our intention with this contract is to secure a launch slot for one of our commercial customers. This agreement allows us to be able to offer a highly integrated and cost-effective solution to our customers.”
OHB Sweden is a Swedish provider of space systems and develops, builds, tests and operates satellites for different kinds of space missions within communications, earth observation, space research and exploration. From low-orbiting satellites via geostationary ones and all the way up to interplanetary missions. The company recently sealed the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) with ESA as the prime contractor, marking the beginning of OHB Sweden’s future towards small satellite constellations.
Rocket Factory, a start-up backed by the German satellite maker OHB as a strategic investor and Venture Capital firm Apollo Capital Partners, is currently developing a launcher system called RFA One for small satellites with a payload performance of up to 1300kg to low earth orbit (LEO). The first launch is scheduled for the end of 2022. The company recently qualified the upper stage tank system during cryogenic tests and currently is running a test campaign to hot-fire the main engine in Esrange, Sweden.
“Signing on with your first commercial customer is always something special,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “We are particularly proud that OHB Sweden selected our highly competitive launch service, which is a great demonstration that we achieve traction in the commercial market. Specifically, since OHB Sweden is at the forefront of NewSpace, with the quick turnaround time on the GMS-T mission launched in January, we believe that this will be the starting point of a great partnership.”
Dr Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA, added, “We are truly excited to provide the outstanding capabilities of the RFA ONE launch service to OHB Sweden. This marks a major milestone for future European access to space in a new environment that allows for commercial solutions that are highly cost-effective with a strong customer focus. The orbital stage of the RFA ONE vehicle can position the payloads precisely where the customer wants them to go, while providing a new dimension of flexibility that traditional launch services and solutions do not cover.”
RFA is at the forefront of the global new-space launch vehicle development, with its state-of-the-art staged-combustion engine technology. This high-performance engine technology, coupled to lowest-possible-cost production techniques, is essentially new to Europe, and through the support of OHB, RFA managed to acquire key technologies and key talent that will propel the business case of the RFA One launch vehicle to allow it to compete on a global scale. Recent firing tests have demonstrated that RFA is on a winning path to resolve Europe’s most efficient and most powerful rocket engine technology. Recently, RFA won the first round of the German micro-launcher competition of the German Space Agency DLR, which granted RFA with a letter of support to receive 500.000 € of funding within ESA’s Boost! programme. In the next round of the competition, DLR and ESA will award a launch contract worth 11.000.000 € for institutional payloads.
About OHB Sweden
OHB Sweden is a Swedish provider of space systems and develops, builds, tests and operates satellites for different kinds of space missions within communications, earth observation, space research and exploration. From low-orbiting satellites via geostationary ones and all the way up to interplanetary missions. OHB Sweden is a member of the OHB SE Group (ISIN: DE0005936124, Prime Standard) which currently employs over 2.900 people in its business units Space Systems, Aerospace and Digital. Within this array, OHB Sweden AB belongs to Space Systems. For more information, visit: www.ohb-sweden.se
About Rocket Factory:
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger and German aerospace company OHB SE. The start-up’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 that can transport satellites to low-Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices. Rocket Factory is aiming for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is to combine maximum performance with extremely cost-effective manufacturing processes and design principles. The experts plan the concept of the rocket from the perspective of the satellites and the customers: Rocket Factory will precisely launch satellites into the desired orbits using a unique orbital stage. The launcher will thus provide an end-to-end delivery service for the last mile. The launcher combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-effective architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology. The startup employs a team of 85 (as of March 2021) New Space experts from 25 different countries in Augsburg, Germany, who have previous experience in other launcher projects. For further information, please visit: www.rfa.space
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata
Email: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg
Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 der Rocket Factory Augsburg AG zur Eröffnung der neuen Produktionsanlagen in den ehemaligen Augsburger Osram-Werken kündigte Josef Aschbacher, der am 1. März sein Amt als ESA-Generaldirektor angetreten hat, neue Leuchtturm-Programme an. Aschbacher sagte: „Wir sollten an neuen Leuchtturmprojekten arbeiten. Wir haben heute Copernicus und Galileo als die wichtigsten Programme, die einige der besten Technologien der Welt hervorbringen. Aber wir brauchen neue Programme, die Hand in Hand gehen mit Investitionen in neue Satelliten und Konstellationen auf der einen Seite und in Technologien, die zu neuen Trägerraketen führen, auf der anderen Seite. Dabei ist es durchaus vorstellbar, dass die ESA künftig auch als Anker-Investor für Startups auftritt, um neue Technologien zu fördern. Das ist etwas, womit wir uns künftig zusätzlich zu unserer klassischen Rolle als ESA beschäftigen müssen.“
Der bayerische Ministerpräsident Dr. Markus Söder bezeichnete in einer Videobotschaft den Produktionstsart bei der Rocket Factory als einen „weiteren wichtigen Schritt für die Raumfahrt in Bayern.“ Die Rocket Factory würde im New Space „mit neuen Trägerraketen neue Möglichkeiten schaffen“. Zu seinem Amtsantritt hatte Söder das Raumfahrt-Programm „Bavaria One“ angekündigt, mit einem Volumen von 700 Millionen Euro. Söder sagte heute in seiner Videobotschaft: “Mit unserem Raumfahrtkonzept haben wir am Anfang noch ein bisschen Spott erfahren, vor allem von denjenigen, die null Ahnung haben von der Bedeutung. Heute geht es ja nicht nur darum, in die Tiefen des Alls zu blicken, sondern alles was wir im Orbit planen, machen und denken, hat immer auch mit uns selbst zu tun. Wenn es um Klimaschutz geht, Wasserplanung oder landwirtschaftliche Prozesse, dann lässt sich das aus der Atmosphäre am besten beobachten und planen.”
Auch für das Startup steht die Erdbeobachtung im Mittelpunkt der Unternehmensstrategie. Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer der Rocket Factory, sagte auf der Onlineveranstaltung seines Unternehmens: „Für die Beobachtung unseres Planeten und unseres Klimas werden viele kleine Satelliten benötigt, die in erdnahe Umlaufbahnen transportiert werden müssen. Und unsere Rakete aus Augsburg wird in naher Zukunft hunderte dieser Satelliten in den Weltraum bringen. Damit können wir von Augsburg aus einen Beitrag zur Verbesserung der Welt leisten. Nur wenn wir die Kosten des Raumtransports deutlich senken, werden private Anbieter im Weltraum Geld verdienen. Hunderte von Startups – auch aus Bayern – stehen bereits mit ihren Geschäftsideen in den Startlöchern.“
Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer der Rocket Factory ergänzt: “In dieser historischen Halle arbeiten über 85 Mitarbeiter aus 25 Nationen an unserer gemeinsamen Vision: Den Weltraum mit unschlagbar günstigen Trägerraketen zu erobern. Die Geschichte der Raumfahrt hat gezeigt: Es geht nicht darum, Erster zu sein. Es geht darum der Beste zu sein. Und wenn wir unser ambitioniertes Triebwerks-Konzept verwirklichen, werden wir auch die Kostenvorteile unserer Trägerraketen realisieren können.“ Mit der gestuften Verbrennungstechnologie entwickelt die Rocket Factory ein Triebwerk, dass leistungsfähiger, effizienter und sauberer sein wird als bei den meisten Trägerraketen, die derzeit auf dem Markt kommen.
An der Panel Diskussion nahmen neben Josef Aschbacher auch Professor Ulrich Walter von der Technischen Universität München (TUM), Matthias Wachter, Head of Department Cooperation, Security, Raw Materials and Space des BDI und Christoph Keese, CEO der hy – The Axel Springer Consulting Group teil.
Rocket Factory will in den neuen Produktionshallen in Augsburg Raketen wie Autos bauen. Das Startup kombiniert dabei höchste Leistungsfähigkeit mit äußerst kostengünstigen Herstellungsverfahren und Designprinzipien. In einem ersten Schritt werden in den neuen Hallen Prototypen der Triebwerke und Raketen hergestellt. Dabei sollen die erfolgreichen Fertigungsstrategien der Automobilindustrie auf die Produktion von Raketen übertragen werden. So ist geplant, Plattformen zu entwickeln, auf deren Grundlage jederzeit unterschiedliche Varianten gebaut werden können. Dadurch können möglichst viele baugleiche Teile verwendet werden. Darüber hinaus will das Startup konsequent industrielle Komponenten verwenden und sie auf die besonders harten Bedingungen im Weltraum anpassen. Dabei werden auch konsequent 3D-Drucktechnologien anwenden.
Für die Entwicklung der seriellen Fertigung hat der Standort Augsburg eine große Bedeutung für das junge Unternehmen. Jörn Spurmann: „Diese Stadt ist ein sehr attraktives Umfeld für innovative Existenzgründer. Viele Beispiele von erfolgreichen Startups zeigen, dass die Stadt Augsburg ein großartiger Inkubator für starke Zukunftsideen ist. Wir konnten das selbst zweieinhalb Jahre im Technologiezentrum in Augsburg erleben.“
Die Augsburger Oberbürgermeisterin Eva Weber sagte in ihrer „Videobotschaft: „Es freut mich sehr, dass Rocket Factory in Augsburg bleibt. Augsburg ist seit vielen, vielen Jahren eine Luft- und Raumfahrt-Stadt. Ich bin mir ganz sicher, dass auch die Rocket Factory im Herzen der Fuggerstadt Weltraum-Geschichte schreiben wird.“
Über Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory wurde 2018 gegründet. Ziel des Start-ups ist es, bis Ende 2022 einen Trägerraketen-Prototypen zu entwickeln, mit dem Satelliten wöchentlich zu konkurrenzlos günstigen Preisen in erdnahe Umlaufbahnen transportiert werden können. Rocket Factory strebt ein exponentielles Wachstum im boomenden New Space-Markt an. Ziel des Start-ups ist es, höchste Leistungsfähigkeit mit äußerst kostengünstigen Herstellungsverfahren und Designprinzipien zu kombinieren. Die Experten planen das Konzept der Rakete aus der Perspektive der Satelliten und der Kunden: Rocket Factory wird Satelliten mit einer einzigartigen Orbitalstufe präzise in die gewünschten Umlaufbahnen bringen. Der Launcher bietet damit einen End-to-End-Lieferservice für die letzte Meile. Die Trägerrakete vereinigt drei wichtige Wettbewerbsvorteile: eine äußerst kostengünstige Architektur, eine präzise Lieferung im Orbit und eine überlegene Antriebstechnologie. Das Start-up beschäftigt in Augsburg ein Team von 85 (Stand März 2021) New Space-Veteranen aus 25 verschiedenen Ländern, die bereits in anderen Launcher-Projekten Erfahrungen gesammelt haben. Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter: www.rfa.space
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 the future of the European space transportation sector. The microlauncher manufacturer is heading a consortium which also includes OHB companies MT Aerospace AG and OHB System AG. The objective of the study is to investigate New European Space Transportation Solutions (NESTS) for the period beyond 2030.
The study aims to estimate the future demand for space transportation systems in Europe for the period from 2030 to 2050. To this end, different approaches will be designed and evaluated. These include a generation of launchers geared to future needs as well as all relevant and required services, technologies, infrastructures and organizational concepts. The study is scheduled to last four months. In addition to the OHB consortium, two other consortia have been commissioned in parallel.
“ESA, through its New European Space Transportation Solutions initiative, lays the foundations that enable us to prepare the future beyond Ariane 6 and Vega-C. These system concept studies will include services that prioritise the future needs of Europe’s space programmes but also allow us to address global market needs,” commented Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation.
“The study is about what course Europe needs to set and when, in order to be future-proof in the commercialization of European spaceflight,” says Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE. “The task now is to investigate the different space transportation systems and solutions which private initiatives can propose to make Europe a globally sought-after partner for the future of space transportation as well.”
The study partners complement each other in their skills
The OHB consortium combines the strengths of start-up Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), space systems company OHB System AG and launcher supplier and manufacturing expert MT Aerospace AG. RFA brings creative and innovative perspectives and focuses on cost-efficient and competitive solutions. It is flanked and supported in all areas by the broad-based expertise and decades of experience of its two consortium partners. “With this study, ESA has selected us in the circle of relevant industrial suppliers who are to propose New Space from a European perspective,” says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at Rocket Factory Augsburg, who wants to prove that consistent serial production can drastically reduce the costs of commercial space transportation. “This also opens up attractive forms of collaboration for government space programs based on commercially developed service offerings.”
“We have proven that we can develop and serially manufacture first-class, high-precision launcher structures and tank components, with around ten percent manufacturing shares in each Ariane 5 rocket. This would not have been possible without comprehensive systems expertise,” adds Hans Steininger, CEO of MT Aerospace AG in Augsburg, which also has a presence at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana and offers a wide range of services. “We are pleased to be able to contribute our wealth of experience from more than 50 years of business activity in launcher development, production and testing to the study and to think ‘out of the box’!”
About NESTS/ESA:
ESA NESTS Study
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger and German aerospace company OHB SE. The start-up’s goal is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022 that can transport satellites to low-Earth orbits on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices. Rocket Factory is aiming for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is to combine maximum performance with extremely cost-effective manufacturing processes and design principles. The experts plan the concept of the rocket from the perspective of the satellites and the customers: Rocket Factory will precisely launch satellites into the desired orbits using a unique orbital stage. The launcher will thus provide an end-to-end delivery service for the last mile. The launcher combines three key competitive advantages: a highly cost-effective architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology. The startup employs a team of 85 (as of February 2021) New Space experts from 25 different countries in Augsburg, Germany, who have previous experience in other launcher projects. For further information, please visit: www.rfa.space
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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 program signed in November 2020. Rocket Factory activated a contract option with ESA for production and testing of the orbital stage demonstrator of its launch vehicle RFA ONE based on the great support of the Portuguese Space Agency, Portugal Space. Partners on the project are CEiiA, a Portuguese Engineering and Development Center, and RFA Portugal, a subsidiary of Rocket Factory. Back in November, Rocket Factory had already received support from ESA for the development of the first stage demonstrator.
“Extending our ESA Boost! Contract underlines our position at the forefront of commercialization of European space transportation,” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “We are very happy that the Portuguese Space Agency enables this program and we are very proud to be a substantial part of the emerging Portuguese Space Industry.”
Within the scope of the contract option, Rocket Factory will be qualifying the orbital stage demonstrator for its launch vehicle. The activities under the scope of this project cover engineering analysis, manufacturing as well as testing of the orbital stage manufacturing demonstrator for a successful proof-of-concept and final qualification towards its respective industrialization roadmap milestones throughout 2021.
Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA, added, “The orbital stage developed here will allow us to provide unmatched flexibility with respect to mission capabilities. We are excited to engage with our Portuguese development partner CEiiA on this project, to leverage their unrivalled track-record with respect to developing ultra-competitive composite products.”
“The Portuguese Space Agency welcomes and actively support the joint effort of RFA Portugal and CEiiA, to develop structural components of a new generation micro-launcher in Portugal. This marks an important next step in the effort to move Portugal up the added-value chain in the space sector. Through its activities, RFA Portugal and CEiiA will contribute to one of the key objectives advocated by Portugal Space: the democratisation of access and use of Space for the benefit of society and economy in the country and worldwide.
All these activitiescontribute to the creation of highly qualified jobs in an ultra-innovative sector, helping create critical mass, that will be fundamental to the economic recovery plan design for the country.”, stated Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency, Portugal Space.
“The establishment of a strong partnership with RFA towards the development of a breakthrough orbital-stage for Europe’s most innovative micro-launcher is not only an outstanding opportunity for Portugal to be at the forefront on the development of complex space systems, but also a great challenge for CEiiA’s engineering team. We are excited to start the activities and certain that this collaboration will be of great success for all parties on-board.”, said Tiago Rebelo, Chief Technology Officer at CEiiA.
About ESA Boost
The “Boost! – ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support” program co-funds and assists the pre-commercial development of new European space transportation services, providing flexible and tailored support to the needs of European operators pursuing privately-led developments for commercially viable new space transportation services. https://www.esa.int/boost
About RFA
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger and German satellite company OHB SE. The goal of the start-up is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022, which will lift satellites into low-Earth orbit on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices. Rocket Factory aims for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is to combine highest system performances with ultra-low cost manufacturing and design principles. Rocket Factory will deliver satellites precisely into orbit with a unique orbital transfer vehicle, thinking space transportation from the satellite and customer point of view. The launcher will offer an end-to-end solution with its last mile delivery service. The launch vehicle combines three key competitive advantages: ultra-low-cost architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology. The start-up has established itself in Augsburg and currently has a team of 85 (as of February 2021) New Space veterans from 25 different nationalities, with a demonstrated track-record established in international launch vehicle development projects. www.rfa.space
About CEiiA
CEiiA is a Centre of Engineering and Product Development focused on fostering sustainability and quality of life, while addressing complex challenges across the board and working in high-tech sectors such as, automotive and mobility, aeronautics, ocean and space. CEiiA’s vision is to establish Portugal as a reference within these high-tech industries, contributing to a more sustainable society, and developing technologies, products and systems conceived, industrialized and operated from Portugal. CEiiA operates in the global market, having a subsidiary in Brazil and engineering teams deployed in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and Italy. Currently, CEiiA has a team of +300 Researchers and Engineers presently involved in Development & Engineering activities with integrated product and process development methodologies, based upon full capabilities for product development including concept, design, research, engineering, prototyping and testing of materials and full-scale structures. www.ceiia.com
Press Contact:
Dr. Ibrahim AtaEmail: ibrahim.ata@rfa.space
Tel.: +49 821 999576-21
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65 D-86153 Augsburg
Chairman of Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain Executive Board: Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Headquarter: Augsburg Place of jurisdiction: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251 Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 Factory announced that it will boost the growth of the microlauncher company with a financing round. The current shareholders of Rocket Factory are OHB SE, Apollo Capital Partners, other founders as well as the company’s management, the employees and private investors. The aim of the financing round is to raise EUR 25 million in fresh capital.
Rocket Factory develops microlaunchers for the cost-effective transport of small satellites into low-Earth orbits. The start-up is determined to grow strongly in the next few years and quickly conquer market shares: “We want to build the best and cheapest rockets and microlaunchers. With freight costs of EUR 3 million per launch, we will be able to offer by far the cheapest launch service in the world,” said Hans Steininger, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board and founding investor of Rocket Factory and owner of Apollo Capital Partners, Munich.
In the meantime, the start-up has begun building prototypes of its engine. Small and inexpensive launch vehicles play a key role in the commercial use of space by private service providers. “New Space” is opening up a billion-dollar market that is attracting more and more investors. Venture capital funds worldwide invested a record $15.7 billion in 252 space companies in 2020, of which $9.4 billion went to US companies*.
Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE, said: “We do not want to leave this lucrative market to US companies. That is why we have set up the Rocket Factory with two young space enthusiasts and given the new company a major boost in the form of expertise and capital. We will be able to maximise the cost advantages of series production because we will be building rockets just like cars. Due to the very high demand for investment opportunities in this promising market, we are now opening up the possibility for further selected investors to participate in the growth of the Rocket Factory.”
Rocket Factory’s launcher combines three significant competitive advantages: Unbeatable pricing, precise in-orbit delivery through a novel orbital stage and superior engine technology.
“With the staged combustion technology, we are a technological trendsetter because it is more powerful, more efficient and cleaner than most launch vehicles currently on the market,” said Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, Board Member and Chief Operations Officer at Rocket Factory.
Jörn Spurmann, Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer at Rocket Factory, added: “We offer a delivery service for the last mile. Unlike many others, we deliver satellites to different orbits with pinpoint accuracy using our unique orbital stage. This creates cost advantages. And because we also produce at the lowest cost, we create unrivalled value for money.”
*Source: Space Investment Quarterly Q4/2020 by Space Capital
About RFA
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018 by Jörn Spurmann and Stefan Brieschenk, investor Hans Steininger
and German satellite company OHB SE. The goal of the start-up is to develop a launch vehicle prototype
by the end of 2022, which will lift satellites into low-Earth orbit on a weekly basis at unrivalled prices.
Rocket Factory aims for exponential growth in the booming New Space market. The start-up’s goal is
to combine highest system performances with ultra-low cost manufacturing and design principles.
Rocket Factory will deliver satellites precisely into orbit with a unique orbital transfer vehicle, thinking
space transportation from the satellite and customer point of view. The launcher will offer an end-toend
solution with its last mile delivery service. The launch vehicle combines three key competitive
advantages: ultra-low-cost architecture, precise in-orbit delivery and superior propulsion technology.
The start-up has established itself in Augsburg and currently has a team of 85 (as of February 2021)
New Space veterans from 25 different nationalities, with a demonstrated track-record established in
international launch vehicle development projects.
For more information, visit: www.rfa.space
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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 ESA support for a project volume of 500.000 € for the development of the first stage demonstrator of its RFA ONE launch vehicle.
„Being the first company to sign a contract within ESA Boost underlines our position at the forefront of commercialization of space transportation in Europe.” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. “We are very happy that the DLR Microlauncher competition enables this program and we are very much looking forward to the next phase.”
Within the scope of the C-STS program, Rocket Factory Augsburg will be testing its first stage demonstrator for the RFA ONE launch vehicle. The activities under the scope of this project cover detailed design, manufacturing as well as testing of the first stage demonstrator for a successful proof-of-concept and final qualification towards its respective development roadmap milestones throughout 2021.
Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer at RFA, added, “The signing of the ESA contract puts RFA at the forefront of the global new-space launch vehicle development, with its state-of-the-art orbital stage and staged-combustion engine technology. RFA’s orbital stage can conduct inclination and RAAN changes enabling the deployment of full smallsat constellations within hours. The core stage design and the high-performance staged-combustion engine, coupled with the lowest-possible-cost production techniques, are essentially new to Europe.”
About RFA
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA), a start-up backed by the German satellite manufacturer OHB as a strategic investor and Munich-based venture capital firm Apollo Capital Partners, is currently developing a launcher system called RFA ONE for small satellites with a payload performance of up to 1.350 kg to low earth orbit (LEO). Since its foundation in August 2018, RFA established a team of 80 (as of October 2020) New Space veterans from 20 different nationalities having a demonstrated track record from previous small launcher projects. RFA is developing state-of-the-art staged-combustion engine technology. The company recently qualified the upper stage tank system during cryogenic tests and is currently preparing hot-fire tests of the main engine in Esrange, Sweden. RFA ONE’s first launch is scheduled for 2022.
About ESA Boost
The “Boost! – ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support” program co-funds and assists the pre-commercial development of new European space transportation services, providing flexible and tailored support to the needs of European operators pursuing privately-led developments for commercially viable new space transportation services
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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. This marks a significant milestone in the development of RFA ONE launch vehicle.
“We are proud of this new milestone which brings new capability for European space companies to test new technologies, such as reusable, multi-stage rockets and new sustainable fuels. RFA is a very appreciated customer and we are looking forward to many years of ground-breaking co-operation to develop next generation European space technology together,” says Lennart Poromaa, site manager at Esrange.
With a payload capacity of up to 1350 kg into polar orbit, the two-staged micro launcher plus orbital stage is the first commercial vehicle equipped with engines using the staged combustion. This highperformance engine design, coupled to lowest-possible-cost production techniques, is essentially new to Europe and demonstrates that RFA is on a winning path to establishing Europe’s most efficient and most powerful rocket engine technology. This is leads to significant improvements in payload performance along with the capability to deploy whole constellations at once.
“Together we are writing European history in the field of commercial aerospace.”, said Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operations Officer at RFA. “While the Esrange test site offers the perfect facilities and infrastructure for us, they also share the same hands-on spirit as RFA. To work together for a common goal is the essence of our operations, and we are all very passionate about what we do.”, stated Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA.
The test site was inaugurated together with two Swedish Ministers on October 14th. In addition to this, the North European Test Range (NEAT), where also Esrange Space Center is located, is a co-operation of the Swedish Space Corporation as well as the Swedish Defense Material Administration. RFA is thankful for Swedish space co-operation and for its partners to be able to complete this vital step on the journey for its maiden flight in 2022.
RFA is at the forefront of the global new-space launch vehicle development, with its state-of-the-art staged combustion engine technology. Recently, the company won the first round of the German micro-launcher competition of the German Space Agency DLR, which granted RFA with a letter of support to receive 500.000 € of funding within ESA’s C-STS program. In the next round of the competition, DLR and ESA will award a launch contract worth 11.000.000 € for institutional payloads.
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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 launch system to provide end-to-end launch services for small satellites.
“This partnership is pivotal, it allows RFA and Andøya to launch the first satellite into orbit from continental Europe with an European launcher” said Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operation Officer of RFA.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of RFA, added, “Andøya Space is the most advanced micro launcher spaceport project in Europe. We believe to have found the best partner to start with the delivery of our end to end launch service to our customers in 2022.”
Andøya Space is developing the new launch complex on Andøya island, 35 km south of their existing sub-orbital launch site. This new site will provide operators of vehicles in the 1.5t payload class with independent integration facilities and access to two launch pads with necessary support infrastructure.
Rocket Factory, a start-up backed by the German satellite manufacturer OHB as a strategic investor and Munich-based venture capital firm Apollo Capital Partners, currently is developing a launcher system called RFA ONE for small satellites with a payload performance of up to 1.500kg to low earth orbit (LEO). The first launch is scheduled for 2022. The company recently qualified the upper stage tank system during cryogenic tests and is currently preparing hot-fire tests of the main engine in Esrange, Sweden.
“We are convinced that Rocket Factory is one of the most progressive SSLV companies in Europe. Having them commit to Andøya Space as a partner is of great significance to us. We are developing an efficient multi-user launch site in Norway, and Rocket Factory has the technical capabilities, the same innovative culture, and the enthusiastic team we need in a partner to help us take the spaceport initiative forward. We look forward to supporting them in their missions to polar- and sun synchronous orbits.”, said Odd Roger Enoksen, CEO and President of Andøya Space.
RFA is at the forefront of the global new-space launch vehicle development, with its state-of-the-art staged-combustion engine technology. This high-performance engine design, coupled to lowest-possible-cost production techniques, is essentially new to Europe, and through the support of OHB, RFA has managed to acquire key technologies and key talent that will propel the business case of the RFA One launch vehicle to dominate the market on a global scale. Recent firing tests have demonstrated that RFA is on a winning path to establish Europe’s most efficient and powerful rocket engine technology. Recently, RFA won the first round of the micro-launcher competition of the German Space Agency DLR, which granted RFA a letter of support to receive 500.000 € of funding within ESA’s C-STS programme. In the next round of the competition, DLR and ESA will award a launch contract worth 11.000.000 € for institutional payloads.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 ONE launch system on the historic Diamant launch complex in Kourou, French Guiana.
The agreement between our companies not only expands RFA‘s launch service portfolio to the customer, being able to launch from European territory to all inclinations offered by the unique French launch location, but also enforces a unrivalled position in the New Space industry in Europe and beyond.” said Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA.
Dr. Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operations Officer at RFA, added, “This marks the beginning of a new era, where a team of NewSpace veterans combines the unmatched experience from launching all European orbital vehicles since 1968 for a true best-of-both-worlds setup.
Rocket Factory, a start-up backed by the German satellite manufacturer OHB as a strategic investor and Munich-based venture capital firm Apollo Capital Partners, currently is developing a launcher system called RFA ONE for small satellites with a payload performance of up to 1.500kg to low earth orbit (LEO). The first launch is scheduled for 2022. The company recently qualified the upper stage tank system during cryogenic tests and is currently preparing hot-fire tests of the main engine in Esrange, Sweden.
Covering an area of 700 sq.km and with three operational launch complexes, the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) is the cradle of Europe’s launchers and, since 2011, a base for the Russian Soyuz. CNES is in the process of building the ELA4 complex for Ariane 6 and investing to accommodate future launchers, notably reusable ones and micro launchers. It is also preparing the CSG New Generation programme designed to modernize the launch base, topped by a new Operations Centre where all the information required by its teams will converge. Assuring independent access to space is a strategic, political and economic choice. Europe is preparing its future launchers to keep pace in the fiercely competitive commercial space launch services market. The excellence of the Guiana Space Centre, renowned as the most effective space launch base in the world, are key assets in this respect.
For more information visit: www.cnes-csg.fr
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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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 procuring launch capacities from RFA.
“Exolaunch and Rocket Factory share a common mission that places the customer at the center of every launch service experience,” said Jeanne Medvedeva, Commercial Director at Exolaunch. “The agreement between our companies not only expands access to commercial space opportunities, but also reinforces Germany’s leadership position in the space industry in Europe and beyond.”
Exolaunch is the European leader in providing launch services, mission management, and small satellite deployment systems whose customers include startups, universities, scientific institutions, and space agencies from around the world. Since 2017, Exolaunch has helped launch nearly 100 small satellites into orbit, with 50 more small satellites to be launched before the end of 2020.
Rocket Factory, a start-up backed by the German satellite maker OHB as strategic investor and Venture Capital firm Apollo Capital Partners, currently is developing a launcher system called RFA One for small satellites with a payload performance of up to 300kg to low earth orbit (LEO). The first launch is scheduled for 2022. The company recently qualified the upper stage tank system during cryogenic tests and currently is preparing hot-fire tests of the main engine in Esrange, Sweden.
“RFA is looking forward to launching the first RFA One vehicle, using separation and payload deployment systems supplied by Exolaunch. We are optimistic that this partnership will generate a win-win situation for all parties involved, in particular our customers.” said Dr Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operations Officer at RFA. “This marks the beginning of a new era, where the space domain is transformed into a commercial market in Europe”.
Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA, added, “I am excited about joint missions together with Exolaunch. They lead the market in our target segment and share the same spirit: providing firstclass launch services at most affordable prices and an outstanding quality, in-time without delays..”
RFA is at the forefront of the global new-space launch vehicle development, with it’s state-of-the-art staged-combustion engine technology. This high-performance engine technology, coupled to lowestpossible-cost production techniques, is essentially new to Europe, and through the support of OHB, RFA managed to acquire key technologies and key talent that will propel the business case of the RFA One launch vehicle to allow it to compete on a global scale. Recent firing tests have demonstrated that RFA is on a winning path to resolve Europe’s most efficient and most powerful rocket engine technology. Recently, RFA won the first round of the German micro-launcher competition of the German Space Agency DLR, which granted RFA with a letter of support to receive 500.000 € of funding within ESA’s C-STS programme. In the next round of the competition DLR and ESA will award a launch contract worth 11.000.00 € for institutional payloads.
Media Contact RFA:
Mr. Jonas Kellner
Telefon +49 821 999576-21
Email: jonas.kellner@rfa.space
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG
Berliner Allee 65
86153 Augsburg
Germany
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Jean-Jacques Dordain
Board of Directors: Stefan Tweraser, Stefan Brieschenk, Jörn Spurmann
Seat of the company: Augsburg
Registry Court: AG Augsburg, HRB 34251
USt-ID/Tax-ID: DE319402838
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