Skyrora Explained

Skyrora Ltd
Type:Private
Founder:Volodymyr Levykin
Industry:Space
Location:Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Key People:
    Num Employees:160 (2022)[1]

    Skyrora Ltd is a British private space company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, since 2017.

    The company specialises in the design and manufacture of modular disassemblable rocket launch vehicles, specifically for the launch of small satellites, and portable launch systems, using eco-friendly technologies such as the fuel known as Ecosene and the Skyrora Space Tug.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

    Skyrora is headquartered in Glasgow,[7] while its design and manufacturing facility is in Cumbernauld.[8]

    The Skyrora CEO and founder is Volodymyr Levykin, previously the COO of an AIM-listed online dating company Cupid plc.[9] [10] [11] [12]

    British astronaut Tim Peake is a board member at Skyrora together with Nick Laird, and Baroness Susan Greenfield.

    Overview

    In May 2020, Skyrora held a successful static fire test of the Skylark L vehicle at a mobile launch site on Kildermorie Estate in Ross-shire.

    In August 2018, Skyrora successfully conducted Scotland's first commercial rocket launch by a private company at Kildermorie Estate in Ross-shire.[13] [14] The company launched the 1.3-metre-tall Skylark Nano rocket using an M class model rocketry motor in August 2018 and the 2-metre-tall Skylark Nano II rocket using a Cesaroni M-1520BS model rocketry motor in July 2019.[15] [16] [17] The rockets are all built and assembled in the United Kingdom.[18]

    In April 2021, Skyrora received €3 million of co-funding from the European Space Agency (ESA).[19]

    Rockets

    Skylark Nano

    The Skylark Nano was launched in 2020 as an unguided supersonic rocket designed for simulating a launch to then be recovered with the use of parachutes. Neither a control system nor a thrust vector control system is required.

    It has been launched three times as part of Skyrora's de-risking programme in the Scottish Highlands. Following launches in 2018 and 2019, the rocket has reached an altitude of 6 km during the most recent test in Shetland.[20] [21]

    Skylark Micro

    The Skylark Micro is a two-stage supersonic rocket designed as an intermediate step between Skylark Nano and Skylark L. It was flown in August 2020, reaching an altitude of 27 km.[22] [23] [24] [25]

    Skylark L

    The Skylark L suborbital launch vehicle is the first Skyrora rocket to use a 3D printed hydrogen peroxide–kerosene engine.[26]

    It is capable of fulfilling scientific micro-gravity needs.[27]

    Skylark L was developed to launch 60 kg of payload 100 km up.[28]

    This rocket was subject to a full static fire test in May 2020 at the Kildermorie Estate in Alness, Scotland, which was the first ground rocket test in Scotland in 50 years.[29] [30]

    On 8 October 2022[31] the Skylark L rocket attempted a suborbital test flight mission from Langanes (Iceland) launch site. Intended apogee was . The vehicle experienced an anomaly shortly after lift-off, landing in the sea 500 m from the pad.

    Skyrora XL

    The Skyrora XL is a three-stage orbital launch vehicle under development with nine hydrogen peroxide–kerosene engines of the same type used in Skylark L. The first flight will take place no earlier than 2024. It is expected that the rocket will be able to bring a payload of 315 kg to a 500 km orbit.[32]

    Skyrora has successfully tested a final stage rocket engine in its first stationary ground-firings. In April 2021, the company successfully tested the upper stage of the Skyrora XL rocket and completed a static fire test in its engine development complex in Fife.[30] [33] Hot-fire tests of the first stage are scheduled to take place in mid-2023.[34]

    In October 2021 the company made a multi-launch agreement with SaxaVord Spaceport to launch the Skyrora XL from that location.[35] Skyrora also has an agreement with the Canadian launch provider Maritime Launch Services to launch Skyrora XL from Spaceport Nova Scotia.[36]

    Engines

    The company has successfully tested several types of engines in 2020 and 2021:

    Achievements

    In August 2018, Skyrora conducted Scotland's first commercial rocket launch by a private company at Kildermorie Estate in Ross-shire.[2]

    In 2020, the company got the status of the Company of a Year in Aerospace & Defense among mid-size companies by Stevie Awards, Inc. after participating in Space Camp accelerator programmes from Seraphim Capital.[46] [3]

    In 2019, Skyrora was awarded the CleanTech award at the Go:Tech Awards 2019. In 2020, Skyrora received the Leif Erikson Lunar Prize Award for its innovative project ‘Ecosene’.[47] [48]

    In 2020, during the Aviation & Aerospace Awards 2020, Skyrora won the ‘Best Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Manufacturer Award’.[49]

    In 2021, Skyrora received £2.5 million in funding from European Space Agency as a part of ESA's Boost! programme.[50] [51]

    On 30 March 2022, Skyrora won the Best Innovation in Business award from the Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce.[52]

    From the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Skyrora's factory in Ukraine has remained fully functional, contributing to further progress of the company.[53]

    Skyrora aims to launch its first three-stage Skyrora XL rocket from SaxaVord spaceport, which is still under construction.[54]

    On May 26, 2022, Skyrora has completed a 70 kN hot-fire test for its 3D printed rocket engine, which will be used in the company's XL launch vehicle.[55]

    On March 15, 2022, Skyrora announced the opening of a new rocket engine testing facility in Midlothian, Scotland, occupying an area of over 120,000 square feet. The site will host a team of up to 20 engineers once the testing site is running at full capacity.[56] [57]

    In June 2022, Lee Rosen, SpaceX's former vice president of mission and launch operations, joined Skyrora as a new chief operating officer.[58] [59]

    In July 2022, Skyrora opened a new manufacturing and production facility in Cumbernauld, Scotland. The site appears to be the largest of its kind in the UK.[60] [61]

    In August 2022, Skyrora submitted its application to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to receive the licence required for commercial spaceflight activities. The launch operator licence will allow Skyrora to undertake its planned orbital launches in 2023.[62] [63]

    Education

    The company has organised a graduate placement program to help the graduates and young talents to get into the sector. They offer technical positions for students and summer internships.[64]

    Skyrora has helped fund the retrieval of the first stages of Black Arrow R2 and R3 and provided sponsorship for the UKSEDS programme.[65] [66]

    Ecological fuel

    Skyrora has upgraded its kerosene made of unrecyclable waste plastic to be used as rocket fuel – Ecosene. The new fuel is said to produce 45 percent less greenhouse gas than traditional fuel. In February 2020, Skyrora has already used the fuel to fire its LEO engine for the final stage of Skyrora XL rocket at their engine test complex.[67] [68] [69]

    Skyrora started to use 3D printers to manufacture various rocketry components as a sustainable methodology of production.[70]

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Kahn . Jermey . 2022-03-17 . How a British rocket startup raced to evacuate its employees' families from Ukraine . Fortune.
    2. Web site: Scotland's first commercial rocket launch an 'important step'. 2021-04-28. The National. 31 August 2018 . en.
    3. Web site: Grossman. David. Meet Skyrora: The rocket company bringing balance to the modern space race. 2021-04-28. Inverse. 30 August 2020 . en.
    4. News: Field. Matthew. 2021-01-09. Scottish rocket firm Skyrora tests 'space tug'. en-GB. The Telegraph. 2021-04-28. 0307-1235.
    5. Web site: Walker. Peter A.. 2021-02-05. Scottish rocket firm's 'space tug' gives space sustainability dream a lift. 2021-06-07. businessInsider. en.
    6. Web site: Launch startup Skyrora successfully tests 3D-printed rocket engines powered by plastic waste. 2021-06-07. TechCrunch. 3 February 2020 . en-US.
    7. Web site: About Us Skyrora.com. 2024-04-25. Skyrora. en.
    8. Christian . Alex . 2023-02-23 . On-Demand Rocket Launches Are Coming . Wired.
    9. Web site: MarketScreener. Cupid PLC : Director Appointment and broadening of Exec team MarketScreener. 2021-04-28. www.marketscreener.com. 6 December 2012 . en.
    10. Web site: Volodymyr Levykin – CEO, Skyrora – Spaceoneers.io. 2021-04-28. spaceoneers.io.
    11. Web site: Group. Satellite Evolution. 2020-07-01. Astronaut Tim Peake joins Skyrora's advisory board. 2021-04-28. satellite-evolution. en.
    12. Web site: 2021-05-21. Scottish satellite tech firm warns of looming space junk 'disaster' after uncontrolled Chinese rocket descent. 2021-06-18. FutureScot. en-US.
    13. News: 2018-08-31. 'First' commercial rocket launched from Scotland. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-04-28.
    14. Web site: insider.co.uk. 2018-08-30. Scotland's first commercial rocket launch hailed a success. 2021-04-28. businessInsider. en.
    15. Web site: 2020-06-17. Scottish startup Skyrora successfully launched its first rocket, Skylark Nano, from Shetland. 2021-04-28. Tech2.
    16. Web site: Shipley. Andy. 2020-06-15. Footage shows Skylark Nano rocket launch from Shetland in space programme boost. 2021-04-28. Daily Record. en.
    17. Web site: Rocket startup Skyrora achieves a successful sub-orbital launch from Scottish island. 2021-04-28. TechCrunch. 15 June 2020 . en-US.
    18. Web site: Skyrora. Katie Miller, Head of Communications and Engagement. 2021-05-29. UK to be next SPACE SUPERPOWER with three spaceports by next summer COMMENT. 2021-06-18. Express.co.uk. en.
    19. Web site: LaraHunterDouglas. 2021-05-27. Rocket firm all systems go following new legislation. 2021-06-07. The Edinburgh Reporter. en-US.
    20. Web site: Skylark Nano – Parabolic Arc. 2021-04-28. en-US.
    21. News: Rodger. Paul. Skylark Nano: Shetland propelled into the rocket age with first launch. . en. 2021-04-28. 0140-0460.
    22. Web site: O'Callaghan. Jonathan. Skyrora Rocket Launch From Iceland Reaches Three Times The Height Of Mount Everest. 2021-04-28. Forbes. en.
    23. Web site: admin. 2020-08-18. Skyrora's Skylark micro rocket launches from Iceland. 2021-04-28. The Edinburgh Reporter. en-US.
    24. Web site: Skyrora's Skylark Micro Rocket Set For Icelandic Launch – SatNews. 2021-04-28. news.satnews.com.
    25. Web site: Skyrora's Skylark Micro Rocket Set For Icelandic Launch. 2021-04-28. smallsatnews.com.
    26. Web site: 2020-05-27. Skyrora's 3D Printed-Engine Rocket Completes First UK Ground Test in 50 Years. 2021-04-28. 3DPrint.com The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing. en-US.
    27. Web site: O'Callaghan. Jonathan. Major Rocket Test Takes Place In The U.K. For The First Time In 50 Years. 2021-04-28. Forbes. en.
    28. Web site: Speed. Richard. UK takes a step closer to domestic launches as Skyrora fires up Skylark-L. 2021-04-28. www.theregister.com. en.
    29. Web site: Skyrora and UK's first rocket launch test in 50 years - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament. 2021-04-28. edm.parliament.uk. en.
    30. Web site: Speed. Richard. Brit rocketeer Skyrora reckons it'll be orbital in 3 years – that is, if UK government plays ball. 2021-04-28. www.theregister.com. en.
    31. Skyrora attempts first rocket launch to space with Icelandic mobile spaceport . Skyrora . 13 October 2022 . 13 October 2022.
    32. Book: Skyrora XL Payload User's Guide. October 2019. Skyrora Ltd. March 6, 2023. 27.
    33. Web site: The UK's First Complete Ground Rocket Test in 50 Years Takes Place in Scotland Skyrora. 2021-04-28. www.skyrora.com. 20 May 2020 .
    34. Web site: Berger . Eric . Rocket Report: Europe wants a super-heavy lifter, Starship nets launch contract . Ars Technica . 19 August 2022 . 23 August 2022.
    35. Skyrora agrees multi-launch deal with Shetland Spaceport for the next decade . Skyrora . 12 October 2021 . 12 October 2021.
    36. Precious Payload Partners With Maritime Launch, Adding Canada's First Commercial Spaceport, Spaceport Nova Scotia, to Launch.ctrl Marketplace . 8 December 2022 . 10 December 2022.
    37. Web site: Maday. Melissa. 2020-05-21. Skyrora Completes The UK's First Complete Ground Rocket Test in 50 Years, In Scotland. 2021-04-28. SpaceWatch.Global. en-US.
    38. Web site: Engines - Skyforce-2.
    39. Web site: Rocket Engine Test Complex Opened in Scotland by Skyrora – SatNews. 2021-04-28. news.satnews.com.
    40. Web site: O'Callaghan. Jonathan. Scottish Launch Startup Skyrora Tests Rocket Engine That Could Reach Orbit From The U.K. In 2022. 2021-04-28. Forbes. en.
    41. Web site: Skyrora Completes Successful Test Firings Of Their LEO Engine – SatNews. 2021-04-28. news.satnews.com.
    42. News: British Launch Company Skyrora Completes Testing On Rocket Upper Stage – And Hopes To Reach Space This Year. 11 January 2021. Jonathan O'Callaghan. Forbes. March 5, 2023.
    43. Web site: UK tests 'Space Tug' capable of refiring its engine several times in orbit, and collecting space junk. 2021-04-28. TechCrunch. 12 January 2021 . en-US.
    44. Web site: Fish. Tom. 2021-01-22. UK space breakthrough as Skyrora XL becomes Britain's first 'mission-ready' rocket. 2021-04-28. Express.co.uk. en.
    45. Web site: Allison. George. 2021-01-11. Scottish space company Skyrora tests new 'space tug' vehicle. 2021-04-28. en-GB.
    46. Web site: Gavin. Alain. Skyrora heading for the Stars (via Passle). 2021-04-28. Passle. en.
    47. Web site: Previous Winners. 2021-04-28. Go:Tech Awards.
    48. Web site: Group. Satellite Evolution. 2020-09-07. British rocket company Skyrora receives Icelandic Leif Erikson Award for its environmental efforts. 2021-04-28. satellite-evolution. en.
    49. Web site: Aviation and Aerospace Awards 2020. 2021-04-28. www.corpvision-news.com.
    50. Web site: Two Scottish space companies secure £8.5 million. 2021-04-28. GOV.UK. en.
    51. Web site: 2021-03-24. ESA awards €10.45 million to two UK launch startups. 2021-04-28. SpaceNews. en-US.
    52. Web site: Thorpe . Emma . 2022-04-28 . Skyrora Wins Best Innovation in Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce . 2022-08-30 . Orbital Today . en.
    53. Web site: Ukrainian Space Industry Woes Also Hit the West . 2022-08-30 . www.defense-aerospace.com.
    54. Web site: Andrew Jones published . 2022-04-11 . Spaceport construction set to begin on UK's northernmost island . 2022-08-30 . Space.com . en-US.
    55. Web site: 3D Printing Industry-The Authority on 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing . 2022-08-30 . 3D Printing Industry . en-US.
    56. Web site: 2022-03-15 . Skyrora Opens New Engine Testing Facility in Scotland - Via Satellite - . 2022-08-30 . Via Satellite . en.
    57. Web site: Speed . Richard . Skyrora opens Scottish rocket testing site . 2022-08-30 . www.theregister.com . en.
    58. News: Titcomb . James . 2022-06-09 . Elon Musk's SpaceX executive is poached by Scottish rocket company . en-GB . The Telegraph . 2022-08-30 . 0307-1235.
    59. Web site: 2022-08-03 . Lee Rosen on swapping SpaceX for Skyrora and launching from UK soil . 2022-08-30 . UKTN UK Tech News . en-GB.
    60. Web site: Cumbernauld space rocket facility opens for production . 2022-08-30 . BBC News . 15 July 2022 . en-GB.
    61. Web site: 2022-07-14 . Skyrora opens rocket engine factory in Cumbernauld . 2022-08-30 . UKTN UK Tech News . en-GB.
    62. Web site: UK rocket firm Skyrora applies to CAA for space launch licence . 2022-08-30 . The Manufacturer . en-GB.
    63. Web site: 2022-08-04 . UK rocket firm Skyrora applies for space launch licence . 2022-08-30 . Aerospace Testing International . en-GB.
    64. Web site: Student pair to reach for stars after winning placement with Scots space firm. 2021-04-28. The National. 19 February 2021 . en.
    65. News: 2019-01-21. Black Arrow: UK space rocket returns home from Australia. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-06-07.
    66. Web site: LaraHunterDouglas. 2021-04-28. Skyrora launches online store inspiring future space commanders. 2021-06-07. The Edinburgh Reporter. en-US.
    67. Web site: Skyrora - Event.
    68. Web site: O'Callaghan. Jonathan. A Scottish Launch Company Just Tested A 'Green' Rocket Engine That Uses Waste Plastic As Fuel. 2021-04-28. Forbes. en.
    69. Web site: Launch startup Skyrora successfully tests 3D-printed rocket engines powered by plastic waste. 2021-04-28. TechCrunch. 3 February 2020 . en-US.
    70. Web site: Rockets could launch from UK next year as government provides regulatory 'launchpad'. 2021-06-07. www.imeche.org.

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