Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), founded in 2018, is a German NewSpace company focused on providing affordable and flexible launch services for small satellites. As a launch provider, RFA is currently developing its RFA One rocket, designed for low-Earth orbit missions and aiming to reduce launch costs by using standard industrial components and efficient production technologies. RFA's partners include companies like Conflux Technology and launch sites such as SaxaVord Spaceport, with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as a customer. Key activities include rocket development, engine testing, and securing launch facilities to offer comprehensive space deployment services.
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Rocket Factory Augsburg will lease and use the P2.4 test site at DLR’s Lampoldshausen facility.
Rocket Factory Augsburg plans for the RFA ONE rocket to launch up to fifty times per year in the future.
The deal allows Rocket Factory Augsburg to use the P2.4 test site in Lampoldshausen.
Munich-based Isar Aerospace and UK-based Skyrora and Orbex are competing with Rocket Factory Augsburg to become the European launch startup to reach orbit and secure clients.
Rocket Factory Augsburg was working towards a first orbital test flight at the end of 2023.
DLR provides the basic infrastructure at P2.4 while Rocket Factory Augsburg brings its own test stand and supporting infrastructure.
Rocket Factory Augsburg has signed a deal to build and operate its own engine test stand at German Aerospace Center (DLR) premises.
Rocket Factory Augsburg has signed launch contracts with the German government and about a dozen commercial customers for launches starting in 2023.
Spaceflight and Rocket Factory Augsburg plan to partner on future launches to provide increased launch flexibility and competitively priced launches to LEO and beyond.
Rocket Factory Augsburg completed the first test campaign of its Helix flight-configuration engine in July 2022.
Rocket Factory Augsburg expects the RFA ONE rocket to launch up to 50 times per year in the future to deliver satellites into near-Earth orbit.
At the International Astronautical Congress 2022, Spaceflight signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rocket Factory Augsburg AG for upcoming launches.
Rocket Factory Augsburg expects the RFA ONE rocket to perform as many as 50 launches per year in the future.
Spaceflight Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rocket Factory Augsburg AG to fly Sherpa® orbital transfer vehicles and other rideshare payloads on upcoming RFA missions from multiple European launch sites, including facilities in the United Kingdom and French Guiana.
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG signed a contract with the European Space Agency under Boost! — ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support program.
Rocket Factory Augsburg has signed launch contracts with the German government and about a dozen commercial customers for launches starting in 2023.
Rocket Factory Augsburg completed the first test campaign of its Helix flight configuration engine in July 2022.
Rocket Factory Augsburg won the German Aerospace Center’s microlauncher competition in April 2022.
Rocket Factory Augsburg offers increased price competitiveness and higher launch frequency from multiple launch locations throughout Europe.
Rocket Factory Augsburg AG successfully tested its Helix engine in flight configuration for a total of 74 seconds.