Rocket company Skyrora received €3 million from the European Space Agency to complete the development of its launch technology. The funding puts Skyrora on track to be the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe, delivering the UK’s sovereign space launch capability.

The funding is part of the ESA’s Boost! program will be used to complete the flagship XL launch vehicle. This is a 23m, 56t three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315kg into orbit. The vehicle is on course to be test-launched in 2022 from a UK spaceport.

Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an Advisor to Skyrora, said: “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. I’m delighted that ESA has awarded Skyrora this contract to support providing a new space transportation system for Europe.”

Jack-James Marlow, Head of Engineering for Skyrora, said: “ESA’s funding award will enable Skyrora to significantly accelerate the pace at which we can complete the next stages on our technological roadmap and become the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe. We draw huge inspiration from the British engineers who led the way on the Black Arrow programme, and we are thrilled to be advancing their pioneering work at Skyrora for the benefit of the UK.”