Rocket Factory Augsburg
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is a private German aerospace manufacturer and smallsat launch service provider based in Augsburg, Germany. RFA was incorporated Mid 2018 as a venture-backed by OHB SE and MT Aerospace[1] to build their very own launcher to put small satellites into low earth orbit. The goal was to achieve greater independence from traditional launch providers and decrease costs for satellite launches globally. However, the idea was not limited to offering an entire launch service to a worldwide customer base, but to extend OHB’s footprint to a space infrastructure company.
Since then RFA established a team of 70 New Space veterans from 20 different nationalities, having a demonstrated track record from previous small launcher projects. An own turbopump prototype was developed from scratch and has undergone first successful tests mid-2019 until the beginning of 2020. The Upper stage tank qualification was successfully conducted end of 2019[2] and the first stage prototype is scheduled to be completed until the end of the year 2020, with its maiden flight to take place in 202[3]1. At the same time, an engine test site is being implemented in Esrange (Sweden), which will host the hot-fire test of their staged combustion engine[4] from July 2020 onwards. On top, the avionics system test readiness will be given by the summer of 2020.
Vision[edit]
RFA will provide affordable and flexible space transportation. Their claim is to be "Opening fair and affordable access to space"[5]. The main USPs are to provide determined orbit transportation, an end to end launch service and they focus on affordable technology development
RFA ONE[edit]
RFA is currently building a micro-launcher called RFA One with an initial launch capacity of 200kg for small satellite missions. The launcher consists of two cryogenic stages, one proprietary orbital stage. The first stage has 9 engines with 500,000hp (373,000kW) total combustion power per engine and a total of 100kN of thrust. The second stage features one engine optimized for propulsion in a vacuum with 500,000hp as well. The maximum altitude will be 700km SSO.[6]
The engines are fueled by a proprietary environment-friendly fuel, aimed to reduce carbon emissions (CO2) and soot.[7]
References[edit]
- ↑ Verbeek, David. "German Space Firm Enters Rocket Business Shaken Up by Elon Musk". Bloomberg. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ↑ "Fuel tank testing at MT Aerospace". LinkedIn. RFA - Rocket Factory Augsburg. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ↑ "OHB Offshoot's Mini-Launcher Heads Toward First Flight In 2021". Aviationweek. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ↑ "Ten Questions for Rocket Factory Augsburg". OHB Magazine. OHB SE. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ↑ "Homepage of RFA - Rocket Factory Augsburg". RFA - Rocket Factory Augsburg. RFA - Rocket Factory Augsburg. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ↑ "Quick Facts about our launcher". RFA - Rocket Factory Augsburg. RFA - Rocket Factory Augsburg. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ↑ Fouquet, Helene. "Can we get to space without damaging the Earth through huge carbon emissions?". LA Times. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
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