Edinburgh-based space explorer Skyrora has announced the opening of a European test facility and the completion of the first phase of tests for its 30kN rocket engine.

The facility is capable of testing engines up to 70kN (kilo newtons) and from the new site, Skyrora will continue its progress to completing a full burn and gimbal test, which is required before rockets can be launched into space. Skyrora said commercial reasons prevented it from confirming the location of its new base.

The successful engine tests put Skyrora closer to satellites being launched into near-space and orbital altitudes and puts Skyrora in the top 10% of he world's small launch vehicle companies.

Skyrora’s sub-orbital and orbital engines are powered by hydrogen peroxide and kerosene, which reduces the cost and emissions from launching. The fuel also remains stable at room temperature, which means it does not require a complicated cooling system and could be used for a launch from a spaceport in the north of Scotland.

Five Scottish businesses taking giant steps into space

Clyde Space

Glasgow-based and recognised as a world-leading innovator and supplier of ‘CubeSats’ - miniaturised satellites for space research - and small satellite systems. Over the last decade, it has developed highly manufacturable solutions - perfect for the next generation of low cost, highly reliable network of satellites.

Alba Orbital

Also based in Glasgow, it wants to get more people building and launching its own satellites. It provides a hub of support for the fledgling class of PocketQube miniaturised satellites by not only building platforms, but providing parts and launch expertise to companies, universities and space agencies around the world. While they currently employ just 15 people, they are the largest picosat company in the world.

Spaceport Scotland

An initiative made up of various companies and organisations in the north to stimulate interest in the possible use of a Scottish location for the UK’s first operational spaceport.

It all adds up to a significant global opportunity for Scotland to capitalise on, and intellectual property (IP) data - a barometer of innovation - represents a great measure of that opportunity.

Skyrora

The Edinburgh-based firm is developing rocket engines using hydrogen peroxide and kerosene as a propellant instead of liquid oxygen. It plans to launch a satellite from Newquay in Cornwall but ultimately the intention is to send them into orbit from the planned space port at Sutherland.

Astrosat

Not in the field of space exploration but this Musselburgh firm harnesses data gleaned from satellites to bring benefits back to earth. It works with the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency.

The 30kN engine is nearly 10 times greater in thrust than the 3.5kN upper stage engine which Skyrora successfully test fired in July at Newquay Airport, Cornwall, where the firm has a base. Skyrora also has a co-working facility in Dnipro, Ukraine.

Chief executive and founder Volodymyr Levykin said: “This is a huge milestone for Skyrora and marks the start of our test program for our larger engines. Our team has worked incredibly hard to develop our engine technologies so Skyrora can help make space more accessible for all. Skyrora will continue to work to ensure the world-changing benefits of space are realised here in the UK and in Europe.”