While the US’s private launch sector has been killing it by developing multiple viable launch systems, Europe’s commercial sector has been stagnating, with only Arianespace capable of any projects, with a lot of help from ESA. However, that is not the case for Rocket Factory Augsburg, which just completed a full-duration hot fire of its privately developed second stage.
Who is Rocket Factory Augsburg?
Spun out of OHB in 2018, Rocket Factory is attempting to build low-cost, small-lift rockets in Europe and take advantage of the drive of many companies making satellite constellations. The company is taking an approach different than other companies, relying on automotive parts for manufacturing and the makeup of its rockets. Alongside 3D printing of components, Rocket Factory believes it can produce a rocket faster and cheaper than many other companies.
The biggest part about Rocket Factory is that they are based in Europe, not the United States. We have gotten used to all the current major launch players operating out of the US, as it is the best to raise capital and has a great talent pool to pull from. However, this has left continents like Europe out of the race to build a thriving commercial launch market. Europe only has Arianespace as its sole launch provider, with many of its missions coming from ESA. Arianespace has struggled to gain a steady flow of commercial contracts as launchers in China and SpaceX are just more cost-effective.
Rocket Factory plans to build a small lift rocket called the RFA One. Its rocket will be similar in capability to Relativity’s Terran 1, which we saw launch earlier this year, and the upcoming Rocket 4 from Astra. However, it doesn’t really have to compete with them directly. If all goes to Rocket Factory’s plans, RFA One might be the only low-cost small-lift launch option in Europe that also launches from the continent.
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RFA One second stage hot fire test
Friday, RFA announced it completed a full-duration hot fire of its second stage with a single Helix ORSC engine. Developed in-house, the staged combustion engine is a feat of engineering for the company and a major milestone in RFA One’s development.
This successful test is a massive leap forward for us. It’s a full confirmation of our strategy to develop a small launcher that is both very powerful and achieves cost-leadership. With this full duration test we have demonstrated again that we are able to complete more milestones with less, but smarter investments than any of our competitors.
Dr. Stefan Tweraser, Rocket Factory Augsburg’s Chief Executive Officer
This is a first-of-its-kind milestone for Europe. While Russia has been building this kind of engine since the Cold War, SpaceX has only just gotten around to building and flying a version on Starship in the past few years. Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine is also a staged combustion engine and will fly on both New Glenn and ULA’s Vulcan rocket.
With the completion of this hot fire test, Rocket Factory is focused on doing the same for the RFA One’s first stage, which will have nine Helix engines. Eventually, RFA One will be designed to be recovered with reuse of its engines planned.
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