HyImpulse Targets 5 October for Second SR75 Flight
German launch firm HyImpulse could launch its SR75 suborbital rocket from Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport as early as 5 October, according to maritime and
German launch company HyImpulse could attempt the second flight of its SR75 suborbital rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland as early as 5 October. This information comes from maritime and aviation notices published in early September.
Norwegian air navigation service provider Avinor issued a notice outlining temporary danger areas for a HyImpulse launch from SaxaVord between 5 and 18 October. Daily launch activity is planned from 07:00 to 12:00 UTC. A separate UK Admiralty Notice to Mariners confirms the same launch window.
Flight Path and Recovery
The maritime notice provides details on the rocket's expected flight path. It states the SR75 is expected to travel approximately 135 kilometres north from its launch site at SaxaVord. Following the flight, the booster and nose cone are expected to splash down separately in the sea for recovery.
The SR75 Rocket and Campaign
The SR75 is a 12-metre suborbital sounding rocket. It uses a paraffin-based hybrid propulsion system. According to HyImpulse's environmental assessment submitted to UK authorities, a launch campaign is expected to last around four weeks.
The campaign begins with the delivery of the rocket and ground-support equipment. It then progresses through assembly, movement to the launchpad, final preparations, countdown, flight, and recovery. If the 5 October target is maintained, hardware could begin arriving at SaxaVord during September.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rocket Name | SR75 |
| Type | Suborbital sounding rocket |
| Length | 12 metres |
| Propulsion | Paraffin-based hybrid system |
| Max Payload | 250 kilograms |
| Max Altitude | 200 kilometres |
| Descent Method | Parachute recovery |
The rocket is designed to provide several minutes of microgravity for payloads before returning under parachute. HyImpulse conducted the SR75's inaugural flight in May 2024 from Southern Launch's Koonibba Test Range in Australia.
Commercial and Development Goals
HyImpulse has stated that the first commercial flight of the SR75 carrying customer payloads is scheduled for 2026. The company has not disclosed if any customer payloads will fly on the upcoming SaxaVord mission or identified specific payloads for that flight.
Beyond its commercial suborbital service, the SR75 serves as a technology demonstrator. It is testing systems for HyImpulse's larger SL1 orbital launch vehicle. The SL1 is designed to carry payloads of up to 600 kilograms to low Earth orbit. The upcoming flight from Scotland represents another step in proving the hybrid rocket technology intended for both vehicles.
