About
Skyrora is a UK NewSpace company producing a full family of launch vehicles inspired by the legacy of Britain's BLACK ARROW rocket programme. Their portfolio spans multiple vehicle classes: the three-stage Skyrora XL orbital launch vehicle capable of placing payloads into Sun-Synchronous Orbit, the single-stage guided Skylark L suborbital vehicle, the two-stage supersonic Skylark Micro, and the Skylark Nano for launch simulation. A Space Tug product rounds out the offering, providing in-orbit services for satellites and future spacecraft. Skyrora's proprietary propulsion systems include the LEO engine (3.5 kN, re-ignitable, running on hydrogen peroxide and kerosene with Ecosene fuel compatibility), the Skyforce-2 seven-tonne engine producing 70 kN thrust using advanced turbopump technology, and a regeneratively cooled Skylark L engine on a pressure-fed system. The company has secured the first UK launch licence and leads ESA projects in 3D printing next-generation rocket materials. Skyrora is aimed at satellite operators and research organisations seeking dedicated, pre-scheduled launches without the delays or constraints of rideshare missions. Their commitment to sustainability, UK-manufactured hardware, and STEM education outreach distinguishes them in the emerging European small-launch market.
Key Features
- Skyrora XL Orbital Launch Vehicle: Three-stage small satellite launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads to Sun-Synchronous Orbit and a wide range of LEO altitudes and inclinations.
- Skylark Suborbital Vehicle Family: A range of suborbital rockets — Skylark L, Micro, and Nano — for research, payload testing, and launch simulation missions.
- Dedicated Launch Service: Customers get their own rocket and full control over their satellite's journey, with pre-scheduled launches free from co-passenger delays.
- Space Tug: An in-orbit servicing spacecraft providing orbital transfer and future services to satellites and orbital vehicles.
- Sustainable Ecosene Fuel: Proprietary Ecosene fuel used in propulsion systems, supporting Skyrora's commitment to more sustainable spaceflight.
Use Cases
- Small satellite operators seeking a dedicated, schedule-certain ride to Sun-Synchronous or Low Earth Orbit without rideshare constraints.
- Research institutions and universities needing suborbital sounding rocket flights for microgravity experiments or atmospheric measurements.
- Government and defence agencies requiring sovereign UK launch capability with full mission control.
- Space startups and commercial companies wanting end-to-end mission support including in-orbit servicing via the Space Tug.
- STEM education programmes leveraging Skyrora's outreach content and Skylark Nano demonstration rockets.
Pros
- Dedicated Launch Flexibility: Clients receive a dedicated vehicle with full schedule control, eliminating delays caused by rideshare co-passengers.
- UK-Based Launch Capability: First UK launch licence holder, enabling launches from British soil and serving European customers with shorter logistics chains.
- Vertically Integrated Technology: In-house propulsion, additive manufacturing, and Space Tug capabilities provide end-to-end mission solutions.
Cons
- Early-Stage Commercial Operations: As a pre-revenue launch provider still reaching initial operational capability, mission heritage is limited compared to established providers.
- Niche Vehicle Class: Optimised for small satellites only; larger or heavier payloads are outside the vehicle's design envelope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payload class can Skyrora XL carry?
Skyrora XL is a three-stage small satellite launch vehicle intended to place small payloads into Sun-Synchronous Orbit and a range of Low Earth Orbit altitudes and inclinations.
Can I get a dedicated launch slot without sharing with other satellites?
Yes. Skyrora's core offering is a dedicated launch service where your payload has its own rocket, a pre-scheduled launch date, and no delays from co-passenger missions.
What fuel does Skyrora use in its engines?
Skyrora's LEO and Skyforce-2 engines run primarily on hydrogen peroxide and kerosene. The company has also successfully tested its engines on proprietary Ecosene fuel, a more sustainable alternative.
Does Skyrora offer suborbital launch services?
Yes. The Skylark family — including Skylark L (single-stage guided), Skylark Micro (two-stage supersonic), and Skylark Nano (unguided simulation rocket) — covers a range of suborbital mission profiles.
Where is Skyrora based and where will launches take place?
Skyrora is a UK-registered company and, having secured the first UK launch licence, plans to operate launches from British soil, with additional options for high-inclination orbital missions.
