ESA Boost! Funds RFA for SaxaVord First Test Launch

Additional ESA Boost! RFA: Support Ahead of First Test Launch

2026-09-28 Source: Press release RFA, adapted by 1 min Reading Time

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As part of the European Space Agency’s Boost! programme, RFA UK (Rocket Factory Ltd) has received additional funding of €2.7 million from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to prepare the ground segment at SaxaVord Spaceport for the first test flight and to develop additional test capabilities supporting subsequent flights.

This additional funding builds on the support already provided to RFA by the UKSA through the Boost! programme since 2023, demonstrating continued confidence in RFA capabilities. RFA welcomes the continued support provided through ESA Boost! which support the development of RFA ONE and the establishment of additional launch and testing capabilities in the UK.

“This extension provides further support as RFA progresses towards its first test flight” says ESA’s Jorgen Bru, “this co-funding focuses on capabilities that are essential for safe flight operations at the SaxaVord Spaceport for the first test flights and to strengthen the foundation for ramp up. By supporting the development of new European launch services, ESA is helping strengthen Europe’s independent and competitive access to space.”

Space Minister Baroness Lloyd said: “This investment in Rocket Factory Augsburg is a strong vote of confidence in the UK’s growing space sector. By supporting launch infrastructure at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, the Government is helping to strengthen the UK’s position as a leading destination for European launch activity. This contract extension demonstrates the momentum building behind the UK’s launch ambitions, and I look forward to seeing RFA One take a major step towards its first flight from British soil.”

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