Edinburgh-based launch vehicle provider Skyrora has received €3 million of co-funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) and aims to be the first to launch from Europe.

The funding, part of ESA’s Boost! programme, puts Skyrora on track to deliver a key UK government ambition; sovereign space launch capability.

Skyrora’s largest launch vehicle, the Skyrora XL is a 23-meter, 56-tonne three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315 kg into orbit. The funding will create over 170 high-skilled jobs in the UK and will be used to complete the technology required to deliver consistent orbital launches from within the UK. A test launch is slated for 2022 from a UK spaceport.

To date, Skyrora has completed four successful launches with two more ready to go, and demonstrated static fire tests of its orbital third stage, making the firm the most advanced UK launch company.

Skyrora is aiming to put the UK at the forefront of space environmental sustainability. The company has demonstrated several successful trials of its Space Tug which offers a viable solution for clearing debris and collecting defunct satellites from orbit.

“Independent access to space is vital for the UK to realise the full potential of its space industry and this exciting announcement for Skyrora brings us a big step closer to achieving that goal. Skyrora is bringing innovation and growth to the space sector, whilst setting new benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions,” comments Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an Advisor to Skyrora.