One sentence summary – Scottish company Skyrora is preparing to launch the Skyrora XL rocket from the Shetland Islands, which would be the first satellite deployed in orbit from UK soil, as the company aims to build smaller rockets to accommodate the growing trend of smaller satellites and offer bespoke launch services despite competition from SpaceX, with the UK Space Agency providing funding to Skyrora and Orbex and expecting successful launches in the UK.
At a glance
- Scottish company Skyrora is preparing to launch a rocket from the Shetland Islands.
- If successful, this would be the first satellite deployed in orbit from UK soil.
- Skyrora aims to build smaller rockets to accommodate the demand for smaller satellites.
- The rocket, named Skyrora XL, will be fueled by kerosene made from unrecyclable plastic.
- Despite competition from SpaceX, Skyrora plans to offer bespoke launch services.
The details
Scottish company Skyrora is gearing up to launch a rocket from the Shetland Islands.
If successful, this would mark the first satellite deployed in orbit from UK soil.
Skyrora has already conducted tests on one of the rocket engines in a disused quarry.
The rocket is being constructed in a factory located outside Glasgow.
The company’s goal is to build smaller rockets to accommodate the growing trend of smaller satellites.
The Skyrora XL Rocket
The rocket, named Skyrora XL, will stand 22 meters tall.
It will be powered by nine engines that run on kerosene made from unrecyclable plastic.
The Skyrora XL will have the capacity to lift a 300kg payload.
It will be able to place this payload into orbit up to 600 miles above the Earth.
Skyrora acknowledges the complexity of the task and the potential for failure.
The company estimates a 60% probability of success for the first launch.
Competition and Bespoke Services
The UK has set a goal to launch 2,000 satellites by 2030.
However, Skyrora faces competition from SpaceX, which can launch at a significantly lower cost.
Despite this, Skyrora plans to offer a bespoke service.
This service will provide dedicated launch vehicles for specific customers to reach exact locations in orbit.
Support from the UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has provided funding to Skyrora and another Scottish rocket builder, Orbex.
The UKSA believes there has been a maturing of rocket technology.
The agency also notes a decrease in overall launch costs.
The UKSA is committed to the rocket business.
The agency expects to see successful launches in the UK.
In conclusion, Skyrora is preparing to launch the Skyrora XL rocket from the Shetland Islands.
This would be the first satellite deployed in orbit from UK soil.
Skyrora aims to build smaller rockets to cater to the demand for smaller satellites.
The rocket, fueled by kerosene made from unrecyclable plastic, will be capable of lifting a 300kg payload up to 600 miles above the Earth.
Skyrora acknowledges the challenges and estimates a 60% probability of success for the first launch.
Despite competition from SpaceX, Skyrora plans to offer bespoke launch services.
The UK Space Agency has provided funding to Skyrora and Orbex, indicating support for the UK space industry.
With a belief in the maturing of rocket technology and decreasing launch costs, the UKSA expects successful launches in the UK.
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A rocket soaring into the sky above the picturesque Shetland Islands, with a Scottish flag proudly waving in the background.
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| news.sky.com |
|---|
| – Skyrora, a Scottish company, is preparing to launch a rocket in the Shetland Islands to compete with SpaceX. – If successful, this would be the first satellite deployed in orbit from UK soil. |
| – Skyrora has already tested one of the rocket engines in a disused quarry and is building the rocket in a factory outside Glasgow. – |
| The company aims to build smaller rockets to accommodate the trend of smaller satellites. – |
| The rocket, called Skyrora XL, will be 22 meters tall and have nine engines fueled by kerosene made from unrecyclable plastic. |
| – It will be capable of lifting a 300kg payload and putting it into orbit up to 600 miles above the Earth. |
| – Skyrora acknowledges the complexity and potential for failure, estimating a 60% probability of success for the first launch. – |
| The UK aims to launch 2,000 satellites by 2030, but Skyrora faces competition from SpaceX, which can launch at a significantly lower cost. |
| – Skyrora plans to offer a bespoke service, providing dedicated launch vehicles for specific customers to reach exact locations in orbit. – |
| The UK Space Agency has provided funding to Skyrora and another Scottish rocket builder, Orbex. – |
| The Agency believes there has been a maturing of rocket technology and a decrease in overall launch costs. – |
| The UKSA is committed to the rocket business and expects to see successful launches in the UK. |
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