Augsburg / Bremen (ots) – The new general secretary of the European Space Agency, Josef Aschbacher, announced at an online event hosted by Rocket Factory Augsburg AG, a participation of the space company OHB SE, to open the new production facilities in the former Augsburg works. new lighthouse programs. “We should work on new lighthouse projects. We have Copernicus and Galileo as the main programs today that are bringing about some of the best technology in the world. But we need new programs that go hand in hand with investments in new satellites and constellations on the one hand and in technologies that lead to new launchers on the other. It is quite conceivable that the ESA will also act as an anchor investor for startups in the future in order to promote new technologies. This is something that we will have to deal with in the future in addition to our classic role as ESA, ”said Aschbacher.
The Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. In a video message, Markus Söder described the start of production at the Rocket Factory as “another important step for space travel in Bavaria.” The Rocket Factory would “create new opportunities” in New Space with new launchers. When he took office, Söder had announced the space program “Bavaria One”, with a volume of 700 million euros. In his video message today, Söder said: “At the beginning, we received a bit of ridicule with our space travel concept, especially from those who have no idea what it means. Today it’s not just about looking into the depths of space, everything that we plan, do and think in orbit always has to do with ourselves. When it comes to climate protection, water planning or agricultural processes, this can best be observed and planned from the atmosphere. ”
Earth observation is also the focus of the corporate strategy for the startup. Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer of the Rocket Factory, said at his company’s online event: “To observe our planet and our climate, we need many small satellites that have to be transported into low-earth orbits. And our rocket from Augsburg will bring hundreds of these satellites into space in the near future. In this way we can make a contribution to improving the world from Augsburg. Only if we significantly reduce the costs of space transport will private providers make money in space. Hundreds of startups – including from Bavaria – are already in the starting blocks with their business ideas. ”
Stefan Brieschenk, Chief Operating Officer of the Rocket Factory adds: “In this historic hall, over 85 employees from 25 nations work on our common vision: to conquer space with unbeatable launch vehicles. The history of space travel has shown that it is not about being first. It’s about being the best. And if we realize our ambitious engine concept, we will also be able to realize the cost advantages of our launch vehicles. ” With staged combustion technology, the Rocket Factory is developing an engine that will be more powerful, efficient and cleaner than most launch vehicles currently on the market.
In addition to Josef Aschbacher, Professor Ulrich Walter from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Matthias Wachter, Head of Department Cooperation, Security, Raw Materials and Space at BDI and Christoph Keese, CEO of hy – The Axel Springer Consulting Group, took part in the panel discussion part.
Rocket Factory wants to build rockets like cars in the new production halls in Augsburg. The startup combines maximum performance with extremely cost-effective manufacturing processes and design principles. In a first step, engine and rocket prototypes will be manufactured in the new halls. The successful manufacturing strategies of the automotive industry are to be transferred to the production of rockets. It is planned to develop platforms on the basis of which different variants can be built at any time. This means that as many identical parts as possible can be used. In addition, the startup wants to consistently use industrial components and adapt them to the particularly harsh conditions in space. 3D printing technologies are also used consistently.
The Augsburg location is of great importance to the young company for the development of serial production. Jörn Spurmann: “This city is a very attractive environment for innovative start-ups. Many examples of successful startups show that the city of Augsburg is a great incubator for strong ideas for the future. We were able to experience that for two and a half years in the technology center in Augsburg. ”
The Mayor of Augsburg, Eva Weber, said in her “video message:“ I am very pleased that Rocket Factory is staying in Augsburg. Augsburg has been an aerospace city for many, many years. I am very certain that the Rocket Factory in the heart of Fuggerstadt will also make space history. ”
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory was founded in 2018. The goal of the start-up is to develop a launch vehicle prototype by the end of 2022, with which satellites can be transported weekly into low-earth orbits at unrivaled low prices. Rocket Factory aims for exponential growth in the booming new space market. The aim of the start-up is to combine maximum performance with extremely cost-effective manufacturing processes and design principles. The experts plan the concept of the rocket from the perspective of the satellites and the customers: Rocket Factory will bring satellites precisely into the desired orbits with a unique orbital stage. The launcher thus offers an end-to-end delivery service for the last mile. The launcher combines three key competitive advantages: an extremely cost-effective architecture, precise delivery in orbit, and superior propulsion technology. The start-up employs a team of 85 (as of March 2021) New Space veterans from 25 different countries in Augsburg, who have already gained experience in other launcher projects. Further information can be found at: www.rfa.space
Press contact:
Dr. Ibrahim Ata |
+49 821 999576-21
[email protected]ünther Hörbst
0421/2020-9438
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Original content by: OHB SE, transmitted by news aktuell
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