UK Space Strategy Relies on German Rockets for Launch Access
The UK's new Space Strategy defines 'assured access to space' as relying on launch partnerships, primarily with German companies Rocket Factory Augsburg
The UK government has published its Space Strategy, formally shifting its focus from a sovereign launch capability to 'assured access to space' through allied partnerships. The document, released on 8 September, commits £30 million to accelerate the operational readiness of SaxaVord Spaceport and identifies German launch vehicles as the near-term route to orbital launches from British soil.
The strategy states the UK is collaborating with Germany and other allies to establish responsive launch opportunities through the Scottish SaxaVord site. This partnership is prominent because two German launch companies have established operations there. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has exclusive access to one launch pad for orbital missions with its RFA ONE rocket. HyImpulse is preparing for a second suborbital flight of its SR75 rocket from SaxaVord and has outlined plans for orbital launches of its SL1 vehicle from the site.
Funding for Infrastructure and Allies
The government's spending plan for assured access through 2030 totals £226 million. A significant portion is directed toward European Space Agency (ESA) programmes and support for launches from Europe's Guiana Space Centre.
| Commitment | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SaxaVord Spaceport | £30 million | Accelerate operational readiness |
| ESA mandatory programme (Guiana Space Centre) | £39 million | Support access to space |
| UKRI innovative platforms | Up to £9 million | Develop flight-ready platforms |
| ESA space transportation programmes | £148 million | Includes European Launcher Challenge |
The Unresolved Launcher Challenge Funds
The largest unresolved question concerns the UK's €144 million commitment to ESA's European Launcher Challenge. Initial allocations were made to Orbex and RFA, but the majority was left unassigned. Following the collapse of UK-based Orbex, most of this funding remains in limbo.
| Original Allocation (€144m) | Status |
|---|---|
| Orbex | €21.7 million (now unresolved after administration) |
| Rocket Factory Augsburg | €10 million (later increased by €8.4 million) |
| To Be Distributed | €112.3 million (now €103.9 million remaining) |
ESA's head of strategy, Lucía Linares, told European Spaceflight that the UK has significant flexibility. She said member states could move funds to another challenger, another ESA programme, or take the funds back. The UK Space Agency had previously stated that its overall approach to assured access, now outlined in this strategy, would inform these allocation decisions.
A Shift in Rhetoric and Policy
The strategy marks a clear departure from earlier government rhetoric. In January 2025, then-Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the UK would launch 'British rockets carrying British satellites from British soil.' By December, after a due diligence report on Orbex, that nationalist rhetoric had largely disappeared. It was replaced by statements about working with multiple partners to ensure funding delivers 'assured access to space.' The published strategy confirms this collaborative, non-sovereign path, with German rockets providing the clearest near-term orbital access from SaxaVord.
