German NewSpace firms launch taxi service for microgravity biotech research

ATMOS Space Cargo develops reusable and modular return space capsules designed for scientific payloads, experiments, and equipment, while Yuri develops modular bioreactors and incubators to be used, for example, in microgravity environments to manufacture biotech products in space.

The former is based in Rheinmünster and the latter in Meckenbeuren, while RFA has its HQ, as its name suggests, in Augsburg.

The planned service will be available from 2025, providing a flexible alternative to the ISS laboratory, said the Bavarian startup. The aim is to meet growing demand from the life sciences industry.

“With ‘Eva’ we will set up a unique global service that will allow breakthrough insights in BioTech and product development,” said Jörn Spurmann, CCO at Rocket Factory Augsburg.

“Customers receive a complete solution from three experts in their respective fields, allowing them to focus on their core business. We are also particularly proud to be able to fully map the value chain with our partners in Germany. This is a great sign of German NewSpace Industry capability.”

Service

Rocket Factory Augsburg will be responsible for the entire launch service, including the launch system, infrastructure, outbound logistics, and the operational launch campaign.

It will be delivering ATMOS Space Cargo’s Phoenix capsule with Yuri’s ScienceTaxi to the target orbit in a low-cost manner. The company, it says, will be responsible for the integration of the Phoenix space capsule onto its RFA ONE launch system while providing late access to the payload.

Yuri will be responsible for the execution of biotech research and manufacturing in space. And ATMOS Space Cargo will be responsible for the re-entry logistics and operating the return mission of the Phoenix return capsule, which will be carrying Yuri’s ScienceTaxi.

ATMOS will also supervise and execute the safe return from low Earth orbit (LEO) to the Azores and carry out the early retrieval of the capsule after landing as well as the recovery mission to the final location.

Microgravity

“We are excited to establish the first full end-to-end service for biotech research in microgravity and thus creating new possibilities to utilize space for in-orbit product development,” said Christian Grimm, Lead Systems Engineer and Co-Founder of ATMOS Space Cargo.

“With our partners at Yuri and at the Rocket Factory Augsburg, we will boost the German NewSpace industry to the forefront of Europe’s expertise in space. This will mark the turning point for affordable in-orbit science and a possible role model for the commercialisation of space – launch, return, repeat!”

RFA ONE

In August we reported that RFA had secured a €30m investment from KKR, to help enable its upcoming integrated first stage test and complete its launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, .

KKR backs Rocket Factory Augsburg for SaxaVord Spaceport launches

The first flight for the RFA ONE rocket is scheduled for 2024 Q2. Having successfully completed its upper stage hot fire test in June, the KKR capital will bring the RFA ONE micro launcher to the launchpad at SaxaVord Spaceport on the Shetland Islands.

RFA was was established in 2018 as a corporate spinoff from OHB, via MT Aerospace Holding.

See also: Rocket Factory Augsburg chooses Shetland spaceport for RFA One launch