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 employs over 300 people from 40 nations.
During a 2024 static-fire test at SaxaVord Spaceport, Rocket Factory Augsburg experienced an oxygen-pump fire on one booster engine that spread to other engines and engulfed and destroyed the entire first stage.
The European Space Agency preselected Rocket Factory Augsburg, Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, Orbex, and PLD Space as challengers for the European Launcher Challenge in July.
Rocket Factory Augsburg holds a launch license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The United Kingdom committed €144 million overall to the European Launcher Challenge but allocated only €21.7 million to Orbex and €10 million to Rocket Factory Augsburg, leaving €112.3 million unallocated.
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is based in Augsburg, Germany and is developing the RFA ONE small launch vehicle.
Stefan Brieschenk is chief operating officer of Rocket Factory Augsburg.
Rocket Factory Augsburg worked to return to the launch pad after losing its first flight article in a pad fire.
Latitude announced that it received French government funding to construct a new rocket factory in Reims, expected to open in 2026.
Member states pledged €902.2 million as part of the European Launcher Challenge (ELC) to fund five launch companies: Germany's Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), France's Maiaspace, Spain's PLD Space, and the UK's Orbex.
Vulcan has a 2.2 million square foot rocket factory in Decatur, Alabama.
Toyota Motor Corporation's headquarters in Aichi is developing the lunar rover 'Lunar Cruiser', and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a core rocket factory there.
The UK contributed €10 million to Rocket Factory Augsburg for RFA in Component B.
Germany allocated €15.3 million to Rocket Factory Augsburg for RFA One in Component A and €165.21 million in Component B.
ESA shortlisted Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space, MaiaSpace, and Orbex in July 2025 for the next phase of the initiative.
ESA shortlisted Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space, MaiaSpace, and Orbex for the next phase of the European Launcher Challenge.
Rocket Factory Augsburg, originally established as a subsidiary of OHB but now partially owned, has hired OHB to assist in developing its section of the ELM complex.
Rocket Factory Augsburg, originally founded as an OHB subsidiary, has enlisted OHB to help develop its section of the ELM complex.
As of January, four European launchers, including Maiaspace, Orbex, Skyrora, and Rocket Factory Augsburg, were aiming for significant milestone flights in 2025.
Participating companies in Reacts include Airbus Defence and Space, Andøya Spaceport, ArianeGroup, Rocket Factory Augsburg, D-Orbit, and Telespazio.