RFA UK secures £3.5m from the UK Space Agency for Shetland Islands spaceport launches
The grant from the UK Space Agency will fund infrastructure for planned 2024 launches from the SaxaVord Spaceport.
Scottish satellite launch company developing infrastructure to support orbital flights from the Shetland Islands.
RFA UK has secured £3.5m in grant funding from the UK Space Agency via the European Space Agency Boost! Programme. The capital will enable the company to build and operate the infrastructure and test equipment required for its upcoming orbital launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport.
The financing supports preparations for the first launch scheduled for 2024 in the Shetland Islands. The project is anticipated to create roughly 90 skilled local roles spanning operations, integration, and testing.
The company acts as a subsidiary of Rocket Factory Augsburg AG, securing exclusive access to the Fredo launch pad to establish regular commercial services.
From the founder
"The support received from the UK Space Agency underscores their strong confidence in our approach. We are eagerly anticipating our inaugural orbital launch in mainland Europe from the SaxaVord Spaceport on British territory. 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."
Jörn Spurmann
Managing Director at RFA UK
Investor perspective
"Our investment in 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 the Government’s vision for the UK to be Europe’s most attractive launch destination by 2030."
Matt Archer
Director of Launch, UK Space Agency
Use of funds
- 01Build out infrastructure
