Skyrora Tests First 3D Printed Rocket Engine

Skyrora, a UK-based space company, is conducting a series of full-duration tests to qualify the updated design of its 70kN engine for its inaugural commercial orbital launch.

These tests are taking place at Skyrora's test facility in Midlothian, Scotland, which is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom. Overseeing the trials are Skyrora's team of specialists, who will closely monitor the progress throughout the summer weeks. The successful completion of this series of tests is a crucial milestone within Skyrora's contract under the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support Programme.

The updated engine design, manufactured using Skyrora's "Skyprint 2" machine, represents a significant advancement in the company's additive manufacturing capabilities. Skyprint 2, the largest hybrid printer of its kind in Europe, has effectively halved production time and costs. With the qualification of the updated 70kN engine, Skyrora will become the first commercial entity to utilize a closed-cycle staged combustion system running on a propellant combination of Hydrogen Peroxide and Kerosene. This design, despite its historical complexity, offers higher specific impulse and enhances the overall engine efficiency.

Skyrora, headquartered in Scotland's capital, is actively planning to initiate launch operations from the SaxaVord spaceport in the Shetland Islands. The engine being tested during these trials will be employed in the forthcoming launch. Volodymyr Levykin, the CEO and Founder of Skyrora, expressed pride in localizing as much of the launch value chain as possible through the company's rocket manufacturing and testing facilities in Scotland. The development of innovative engine technology by Skyrora's skilled engineers, combined with their commitment to sustainable design, reflects the remarkable progress within the UK space industry.

In addition to Skyrora's efforts, their updated engine design has received support from the ESA's Boost! program. This collaboration has enabled Skyrora to further enhance their engine capabilities and expand their offerings in the emerging new space market. A partnership with the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland (NMIS) ensures the qualification of the Skyprint 2 machine, materials, and machining process. These qualifications will allow third parties to commercially utilize Skyprint 2, thus diversifying Skyrora's commercial offering and contributing to a competitive space sector in Europe.

Jorgen Bru, the Commercial Services Manager at the European Space Agency, commended Skyrora's progress in qualifying the 70kN engine. He highlighted the importance of this achievement as a key objective of the pre-commercial launch service development activities supported by the ESA's Boost! program. The ESA remains committed to supporting Skyrora's journey, fostering the company's ability to provide new commercial launch services and contribute to a thriving space industry in Europe.