Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) plans to complete the first launch of its RFA One rocket 2025 year. If the attempt is successful, it will be the first vertical orbital launch from British soil. The project partner is the SaxaVord cosmodrome on the island of Anst, the northernmost point of Great Britain.
RFA uses industrial manufacturing methods and stainless steel, to create a budget and performance rocket, which is aimed at small and middle-class customers. Its three-stage rocket will be able to launch up to 1300 kg into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), as well as working in tandem with Redshift's own orbital tug, which will allow accurate delivery of cargo into orbit or even participation in space debris collection missions.
RFA One technical innovation.
- The rocket is tall 30 meters and diameter 2 meters.
- They are used as engines Helix – the first rocket engines with staged combustion in Europe, who work for kerosene and liquid oxygen.
- Helix is able to produce 100 kN thrust when spent 30 kg of fuel every second.
- In the final version of the rocket is planned 9 engines on the first degree.
- The company has already produced more than 30 engines, focusing on the industrialization of their production.
The production of the first two stages of the rocket takes place in Germany, after which they are transported by truck and ferry to SaxaVord .
SaxaVord Cosmodrome: the new space center of Great Britain.
Spaceport, which is located on the island of Anst (Scottish Islands), with 2023 has the first vertical launch license in Western Europe, issued by the CAA.
They work on the territory:
- Three launch pads (Fred, Calum, Elizabeth) with permission to 30 launches per year.
- Separate airfield for ground tests.
- Complete infrastructure for storage, offices and staff accommodation.
SaxaVord is also attracting other startups:
- Orbex, which shifted the focus from Sutherland to Anst.
- HyImpulse, Skyrora and Latitude, which are planning their debut flights from here.
Crash during testing and follow-up.
In August 2024 In 2006, during the ground test of the first stage, one of the turbopumps exploded, which resulted in the loss of equipment. But:
- Launch pad not hurt due to its strong construction.
- The company quickly held investigation and introduced improvements in software and designs.
- It was removed transparent video with explanations, which increased the credibility of the RFA.
Launch plans.
After repeating the first stage static test with all nine engines, RFA is planning a first orbital attempt in the next 6-8 months. The launch can take place already in 2025 year, and the company aims to go into orbit on the first try.
RFA, which started with eight people, is currently preparing for a historic step for European cosmonautics, which could put the UK on the map of nation space powers with its own vertical launch pad.
Source: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/04/rfa-saxavord-interview/