Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA)

Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA)
Description: Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) is a German aerospace company specializing in the development of cost-effective, reliable, and flexible launch solutions for small satellites. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from OHB SE, RFA is developing the RFA One launch vehicle, which features advanced propulsion technologies and a modular design. Despite setbacks, including a test anomaly in 2024, RFA continues to progress toward its goal of providing frequent and affordable access to space
Vision:
To lead in providing reliable and affordable launch services for small satellites, supporting the growth of the NewSpace economy.
Mission:
To build rockets with the efficiency and precision of automotive manufacturing, making space more accessible.
Contact:
References:
Investors:
Funding:
  • Venture Round: Aug 7, 2023, €30 million
  • Grant: Oct 26, 2023, £3.5 million
Total Funding: $: US Dollar37.3 million
Key Milestones:
  • 2018: Company founded as a spin-off from OHB SE
  • 2021: Relocated to new headquarters in Augsburg
  • 2022: Awarded €11 million from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as part of the microlauncher competition
  • 2023 : Secured €30 million investment from KKR
  • 2025 : Experienced a static fire test anomaly at SaxaVord Spaceport, leading to the destruction of the first stage; launch postponed to 2025
Key People:
Sector:
Products & Services:
  • RFA One: Description: A three-stage, small-lift launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,300 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) and Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). opsjournal.org +2 Wikipedia +2 Wikipedia +2Technical Specifications:Length: Approximately 30 metersDiameter: 2 metersFirst Stage: Nine Helix engines using RP-1 and liquid oxygen (LOX) in an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycleSecond Stage: Single vacuum-optimized Helix engineThird Stage (Redshift): Orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) equipped with a Fenix engine using green, non-hydrazine propellants Wikipedia +1 Financial Times +1 Craft.co +3 Wikipedia +3 Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie +3Applications:Deployment of small and micro-satellitesConstellation launchesIn-orbit delivery services Bloomberg +4 Wikipedia +4 Wikipedia +4 Wikipedia +16 DIE WELT +16 Enterprise Technology News and Analysis +16 Craft.coDifferentiators:Serial production approach to reduce costsAdvanced propulsion technology with staged combustion enginesFlexible mission profiles enabled by the Redshift OTV
Claim profile