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These space launches will be due to take place “from late 2025” at the site located on the Lamba Ness peninsula site in Unst.
Although HyImpulse will attempt its maiden sub-orbital launch early next year from Australia, SaxaVord and HyImpulse have signed a letter of intent to conduct two sub-orbital launches from Unst from August 2024 onwards.
The German rocket launch provider says it has carried out an extensive series of engine tests in Shetland over the past three years.
“HyImpulse Technologies have been an integral part of the SaxaVord journey and a fantastic supporter of our vision,” said SaxaVord business development manager Robin Huber. “They carried out their first tests at Scatsta in Shetland in early 2021, and have been testing and honing their technology both there and in Germany ever since.”
“So we are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement for a program that will culminate in the company having a permanent presence in Unst as it gears up towards full commercial operations.”
HyImpulse
HyImpulse CEO, Mario Kobald, added:
“The Shetland Isles and SaxaVord Spaceport are an integral part of HyImpulse’s journey to space. We have been in close collaboration with SaxaVord since 2021 and have been doing our flight motors qualification testing also on the islands. We are looking forward to carrying out our first orbital rocket launches from SaxaVord Spaceport.”
Based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, HyImpulse’s sounding rocket SR75 and small launcher SL1 are powered by a proprietary hybrid propulsion systems (a green hybrid propulsion technology, using liquid oxygen and paraffin as propellants).
“This disruptive technology enables HyImpulse to offer affordable, frequent, responsive, and safe access to space for small satellites and spacecrafts. SL1 has a payload capacity of 400 kg to a 500 km SSO,” says the company.
RFA
The Shetland site is not in an exclusive launch relationship with HyImpulse. It already has agreements with Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), whose launch plans from SaxaVord (right) we have covered previously, and are due to happen in the first half of 2024.
The Bavarian startup is developing a three-stage RFA One “orbital launch vehicle” and the spaceport will be hosting the debut launch of the rocket. This is scheduled for 2Q 2024.
The company successfully completed its upper stage hot fire test in June of 2023.
RFA, indeed, have signed up for exclusive access to the site’s Launch Pad Fredo for its orbital launches.
It’s anticipated that around 90 skilled jobs will be created locally in the Shetlands when the spaceport achieves full operational capability, including spaceport operations and administration, integration, testing and launch.
See also: UK Gov boosts Rocket Factory Augsburg plans for Shetland Islands
