German space tech firm Rocket Factory Augsburg raises €30M from KKR

Augsburg-based Rocket Factory Augsburg, a space technologies company offering fast and flexible launch solutions for satellite constellations, announced on Monday that it has secured €30M in a fresh round of funding from KKR, a leading global investment firm.

US-based KKR’s investment comes from a holding company owned by its newest European private equity fund, KKR European Fund VI.

KKR is a global investment firm with expertise in alternative assets, capital markets, and insurance solutions. The firm aims for attractive investment returns, support growth in portfolio companies, and offer various financial products through its subsidiaries.

Capital utilisation

RFA says it will use the funds to conduct an integrated first-stage test for its micro-launcher, RFA ONE, and complete its launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. 

The first flight of RFA ONE is scheduled for Q2 2024. With this investment, KKR will become a leading investor alongside existing strategic investor OHB. This funding aims to support RFA’s growth and meet the increasing global demand for space access.

Stefan Tweraser, CEO at RFA, says, “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,” adds Tweraser.

About Rocket Factory Augsburg

Founded in 2018, RFA aims to enable data-generating business models in space for monitoring and connecting Earth.

The spacetech company wants to offer launch services at highly competitive prices, carrying payloads up to 1,300 kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis. RFA’s goal is to democratise space access and lower launch costs in the space industry.

RFA ONE launch service stands out with three advantages: customer focus, precise in-orbit delivery, and mission flexibility using Redshift OTV, all at a competitive price. 

The company achieved a milestone as the first European company to hot fire a complete staged combustion engine upper stage. Their total investment remains below €50M.