Skyrora expands operations with the unveiling of a 55,000-square-foot production facility
In a significant step forward for the UK's space sector, Skyrora, a leading British rocket launch company, has moved into a new 55,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Cumbernauld, Scotland. This new facility, previously a distribution and storage facility, has been renovated to house the UK's largest metal 3D printer.
The facility, featuring an open-plan factory floor, generous office space, and a 67,000-square-foot "yard," will allow Skyrora to bring many of its manufacturing and testing operations in-house. This move is crucial for Skyrora as it aims to achieve the first sovereign orbital launch from British soil with the Skyrora XL.
The Skyrora XL, if successful, will mark the first launch from British soil. This launch vehicle is currently under development, with Skyrora working on the second and third stages. The facility's metal 3D printer will be used to produce key components for the Skyforce engines of the Skyrora XL, which will burn Ecosene, a propellant made from unrecyclable plastic waste.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency provided support and guidance during the renovation and construction of Skyrora's new manufacturing facility. This support included a €3M ($3M) co-funding grant as part of ESA's Commercial Space Transportation Services initiative. Officials from both agencies made regular visits to the facility to monitor progress.
The new facility is a significant asset for the growth of the UK's space sector into a self-reliant ecosystem with strong commercial and defensive capabilities. With the expansion of its workforce, Skyrora plans to add 100 new employees within two years, bringing its total employment to 260 people.
The Skyrora XL is expected to debut in 2023 from SaxaVord spaceport on the northmost Shetland Island. This launch vehicle will be capable of carrying 315 kg payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). With the new facility in operation, Skyrora is one step closer to its goal of becoming a key player in the global space industry.
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