Skyrora

operating 51–200 employees

Designs and manufactures small-lift orbital launch vehicles and orbital transfer vehicles from Scotland, using 3D-printed engines and Ecosene fuel derived from waste plastic.

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About

Skyrora designs, manufactures, and operates small-lift launch vehicles and orbital transfer systems from Scotland. Skyrora XL is a three-stage orbital rocket delivering up to 315 kg to sun-synchronous and polar orbits, powered by nine Skyforce turbopump engines. The third stage doubles as the Space Tug, an orbital transfer vehicle with multiple re-ignition capability for precision deployment and debris removal.

Both vehicle families use high-test peroxide oxidizer combined with Ecosene, a kerosene-equivalent propellant synthesized from non-recyclable plastic waste through catalytic pyrolysis. In August 2025, Skyrora became the first UK-based firm to receive a launch licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The company is supported by ESA through the Boost! program and is exploring operations from SaxaVord Spaceport. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Glasgow.

Products & Services

Ecosene

Kerosene-equivalent rocket fuel synthesized from non-recyclable plastic waste via catalytic pyrolysis.

Skylark L

Single-stage guided suborbital launch vehicle reaching 102 km at Mach 3.5 with 50 kg payload capacity.

Skyrora XL

Three-stage orbital launch vehicle delivering up to 315 kg to SSO at 500 km altitude, powered by nine Skyforce engines on the first stage.

Space Tug

Re-ignitable orbital transfer vehicle serving as the XL third stage for multi-orbit satellite deployment and debris removal.

Locations

Cumbernauld, GBR

Space Rocket Factory (manufacturing)

Edinburgh, GBR

108 Princes Street (registered office)

Glasgow, GBR

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