Edinburgh-based Skyrora, a launch services provider dedicated to delivering small satellites into orbit, announced on Thursday that it has successfully completed the static fire test of the second stage of its flagship Skyrora XL orbital rocket.
Matt Archer, Director of Commercial Spaceflight at the UK Space Agency, says, “It’s exciting to see Skyrora complete these static fire engine tests, building on the successful opening of its new production facility in Cumbernauld. As we soar towards the UK’s first commercial space launches, these achievements showcase our growing capabilities and the increasing range of expertise that can make the UK a highly attractive destination for launch activities in Europe.”
Static fire tests, carried out with the rocket secured to the launch pad, are done to make sure the rocket engines are working as intended.
A milestone for Skyrora
“This hugely successful test was a definitive demonstration of our mobility and flexibility. Our Skyrora team went from clean tarmac to a full static fire test in just 2.5 days, bringing all the necessary equipment from our factory in Cumbernauld and test site near Gorebridge,” mentions Skyrora COO Col (USAF, Ret) and former SpaceX VP, Lee Rosen, in a statement
The test involves hot firing the second stage engine to demonstrate that the vehicle can carry its planned payloads and that its performance satisfies all design specifications. The 20-second burn was completed with all systems operating normally, and the single 70kN liquid engine delivered the anticipated thrust while operating within design tolerances.
Founder and CEO of Skyrora, Volodymyr Levykin, says, “With the UK striving to capture a 10 per cent share of the global space market by 2030, the successful Skyrora XL second stage static fire test is the latest milestone reached to put Skyrora on track to become a key part of the UK’s new space industry as the first British company to conduct vertical launch from UK soil. Skyrora now has purpose-built rocket manufacturing and testing facilities in the UK – as well as the largest 3D printer of its kind, which we are using to produce rocket engine components.”
The company says its first orbital launch is planned for 2023 from the SaxaVord Space Centre in northern Scotland, bringing Skyrora an important step closer to beginning commercial operations.
The second stage static fire test
The second stage was assembled at Skyrora’s recently-unveiled Cumbernauld manufacturing facility. The second stage of Skyrora XL, which is one of a three-stage launch vehicle, will ignite its engine at an altitude of around 62 km before the third stage is lit up at a distance of about 190 km, resulting in an orbital velocity of 28,000 km/h.
Previously, Skyrora tested the third stage of its XL launch vehicle in December 2020, setting the mark for the first integrated stage test by a commercial launch vehicle developer in the UK. Hot fire testing for Skyrora XL’s first stage is scheduled to begin in the middle of 2023.
Watch a video of the full second-stage static fire test here.
Brief about Skyrora
Founded in 2017 by Volodymyr Levykin, Skyrora designs, manufactures, and deploys rockets to clear the way for small satellite manufacturers looking to access space. The company is also committed to reducing the direct impact on the environment by actively managing its waste, emissions, and consumption of natural resources.
Skyrora’s aim is to become the leading launch provider operating within the UK and the number one commercial provider for access to space. Its strategy in achieving this aim is to take an incremental ‘step-by-step’ approach to allow for critical testing and de-risking, utilising proven technology in combination with advanced additive manufacturing methods.
