SaxaVord Spaceport to host HyImpulse orbital rocket launches

The UK’s SaxaVord Spaceport plans host orbital launches of HyImpulse Technologies rocket from late 2025.

The two companies announced the signing of a letter of intent at Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany, Nov. 15, and followed three years of cooperation for an extensive series of engine tests.

HyImpulse, a launch services provider and DLR spinoff based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is currently gearing up for its inaugural suborbital launch early next year from Australia. It will however look to conduct two suborbital launches from SaxaVord Spaceport, located in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, from August 2024 onwards. HyImpulse has already secured an Air Navigation Order (ANO) license from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority for one launch.

These will be followed by first orbital launches from late 2025 onwards. The plan envisions rising to full commercial operations by 2030.

HyImpulse’s SR75 sounding rocket and its small launcher SL1—which can carry a payload of up to 500 kg into low Earth orbit—are powered by hybrid propulsion systems using paraffin and liquid oxygen. The firm in recent days completed the assembly and integration of its suborbital rocket SR75.

I’m not too familiar with HyImpulse. Looks like another small-sat launcher. It will be interesting to see if they can capture a portion of the European launch market.