UK Rockets £6.7 Million Into Green Space Launches
Two British space firms have bagged over £6.7 million to turbocharge their eco-friendly rocket tech. This cash boost aims to lock the UK’s spot as Europe’s top hub for commercial spaceflights.
Cash From ESA’s Boost! Programme
The funding comes via the UK Space Agency’s contributions to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Boost! Programme. It’s designed to fast-track cutting-edge space transport tech and get it market-ready.
Scotland’s own HyImpulse, based in Shetland’s SaxaVord Spaceport, and Orbex, working out of Sutherland Spaceport on the A’ Mhòine peninsula, will split the pot with £3 million-plus each. Both firms are gearing up for UK-based space launches.
Green Rockets Taking Off
Orbex, from Forres near Inverness, secured £3.3 million. They’ll use it to build a green propellant plant producing clean propane from renewable waste like plants and veg. Their Sutherland Spaceport aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral launch site for up to 12 orbital rocket flights yearly, with reusable, eco-friendly Prime rockets powered by renewable biofuel made onsite.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise expects the spaceport to create 613 jobs across the region, including 44 right at the site.
Meanwhile, HyImpulse UK in Shetland got nearly £3.4 million. They’re pushing ahead with their Hybrid Propulsion 1 Programme for their SL1 rocket, launching from SaxaVord. By 2030, they plan carbon-neutral operations using synthetic paraffin fuel and renewable energy. The firm will also launch Carbon Launch Systems, a new UK joint venture to make carbon fibre Liquid Oxygen Tanks. This will support 200 direct jobs in Scotland and 1,500 across the UK supply chain.
Leaders Back UK Space Ambitions
Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space, said: “We want the UK to become Europe’s leading small satellite launch hub, building on our satellite design expertise. Developing the world’s greenest rockets shows our commitment to cutting-edge, sustainable space tech. This funding, combined with private investment, will boost our space sector and create skilled jobs while growing the economy.”
Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, added: “Supporting Orbex and HyImpulse reaffirms our efforts to make the UK Europe’s launch leader. These contracts help Orbex develop Sutherland Spaceport and get HyImpulse ready for its SaxaVord launch. Together, they will boost skills and strengthen the UK’s position by 2030.”
Lucía Linares, ESA’s Head of Space Transportation Strategy: “Environmental concerns are now front and centre in space activities. ESA supports Orbex’s drive to build the most eco-friendly launch system.”
Jørgen Bru, ESA Boost! Manager: “HyImpulse has made impressive progress with hybrid propulsion. ESA is backing their orbital launch efforts.”
Orbex Chief Martin Coates: “We’re grateful for UK Space Agency’s Boost! funding. Orbex Prime will cut carbon emissions by up to 96% compared to fossil fuel rockets. This cash lets us build an ultra-green launch complex at Sutherland and offer direct launch options for the small satellite market.”
HyImpulse Co-CEO Christian Schmierer: “Starting this next development phase and launching our first rocket demonstrator in 2024 are major milestones. We’ve got a strong history with SaxaVord and look forward to expanding in Shetland. Thanks to the UK Space Agency for their ongoing support.”
UK’s Space Investment: A Growing Force
The UK pumped £12 million into ESA’s Boost! programme in 2019 and matched it in 2022—among the largest boosts from ESA members. Previous deals helped these firms progress since 2020.
