Rockets flying from UK spaceports

A three-stage small-lift launcher built in Germany and preparing for its first orbital flight from SaxaVord. RFA One uses staged-combustion Helix engines and is aimed at rideshare and dedicated small-satellite missions.

Country of origin

Germany

Height

30 m

Payload to LEO

1,300 kg

Payload to SSO

1,000 kg to 500 km SSO

Engines

Nine Helix staged-combustion engines (first stage), one vacuum-optimised Helix (upper stage), kerosene / liquid oxygen

First-flight status

Maiden flight targeted from SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland — pending licence and static-fire campaign

Skyrora's three-stage orbital rocket, designed and built in Scotland. Targets responsive small-satellite launch from SaxaVord and is notable for using Ecosene fuel refined from waste plastics.

Country of origin

United Kingdom (Edinburgh)

Height

23 m

Payload to LEO

315 kg

Payload to SSO

Up to 315 kg to Sun-synchronous orbit

Engines

Nine 70 kN kerosene engines (first stage), single vacuum engine (second stage), 3D-printed upper-stage engine burning Ecosene, a low-emission kerosene alternative

First-flight status

Orbital debut planned from SaxaVord following sub-orbital Skylark L test campaign

A three-stage hybrid-propellant small-lift launcher developed by HyImpulse. SL1 is designed for cost-efficient rideshare and dedicated small-satellite missions from northern European spaceports.

Country of origin

Germany / United Kingdom

Height

32 m

Payload to LEO

600 kg

Payload to SSO

500 kg to 500 km SSO

Engines

Hybrid rocket engines burning paraffin wax and liquid oxygen — a distinctive low-toxicity propellant combination

First-flight status

Orbital debut targeted from SaxaVord Spaceport following the SR75 sub-orbital demonstrator programme