Skyrora

Skyrora designs, manufactures, and operates small-lift launch vehicles and orbital transfer systems from Scotland. The Skyrora XL is a three-stage orbital launch vehicle delivering payloads up to 315 kilograms to sun-synchronous and polar orbits at 500 kilometers altitude, powered by 3D-printed engines in a seven-engine first-stage configuration. The Skylark L suborbital vehicle provides approximately six minutes of microgravity for research payloads up to 50 kilograms and completed its UK Civil Aviation Authority licensing process in August 2025. Both vehicles utilize Ecosene, a kerosene-equivalent propellant synthesized from non-recyclable plastic waste, combined with high-test peroxide oxidizer. The Skyrora Space Tug serves as the XL's third stage and orbital transfer vehicle, enabling precision satellite deployment, orbit-to-orbit transfers, and debris removal through multiple engine restart capability.

Skyrora operates manufacturing at its Space Rocket Factory in Cumbernauld, Scotland, and maintains engine testing facilities in Midlothian. The company launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands and is acquiring assets and lease rights at Sutherland Spaceport in the Highlands to expand operational capacity. Skyrora provides launch-as-a-service to commercial satellite operators, government agencies, and academic researchers. The company is supported by the European Space Agency through the Boost! program and Flight Ticket Initiative. Founded in 2017 with headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland, Skyrora is privately held and led by Chief Executive Officer Volodymyr Levykin.