Skyrora is a leading British aerospace company headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, that aims to provide sovereign orbital launch capabilities for the United Kingdom. Founded in 2017 by tech entrepreneur Volodymyr Levykin, the company is widely regarded as the UK's answer to the "NewSpace" movement.
As of early 2026, Skyrora has officially transitioned from a research-and-development startup to a licensed launch operator.
1. Key Milestones (2025–2026)
• First UK Launch Licence: In August 2025, Skyrora became the first British company to receive a launch operator licence from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This gives them the legal "green light" to launch from UK soil (specifically the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland).
• Launch Schedule: While sub-orbital tests were targeted for late 2025, the flagship orbital vehicle, Skyrora XL, is currently slated for its maiden flight no earlier than late 2026.
• Sovereign Capability: Unlike many UK space firms that launch from the US or Kazakhstan, Skyrora designs, manufactures, and tests its rockets entirely within the UK (with a major factory in Cumbernauld).
2. The Rocket Fleet
Skyrora uses a "stepped" approach, building smaller rockets to test technologies before moving to orbital vehicles:
• Skylark Nano & Micro: Small sounding rockets used for initial testing and educational outreach.
• Skylark L: A sub-orbital rocket (11 meters tall) designed to reach altitudes of roughly 120km–130km. It is the "testbed" for the engines used in the larger orbital vehicle.
• Skyrora XL: The company's flagship 3-stage orbital rocket. It is 23 meters tall and designed to carry up to 315 kg into Sun-synchronous or polar orbits—ideal for the growing market of small satellites.
3. Sustainability and "Green" Spaceflight
Skyrora differentiates itself by focusing heavily on environmental impact:
• Ecosene Fuel: The company has developed a proprietary high-grade aerospace fuel made from unrecyclable plastic waste. This fuel produces significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional RP-1 (kerosene).
• 3D Printing: They utilize Skyprint 2, which is the largest hybrid 3D printer of its kind in Europe. In late 2025, they partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to 3D print components using a new high-temperature alloy called Tanbium, which reduces material waste by 95%.
• High-Test Peroxide (HTP): Their engines use HTP as an oxidizer, which is much more stable and environmentally friendly than traditional toxic propellants.
4. Leadership and Operations
• CEO & Founder: Volodymyr Levykin.
• COO: Dr. Jack-James Marlow (promoted to Chief Operating Officer in late 2025).
• Workforce: The company now employs over 100 people across its headquarters in Glasgow, its factory in Cumbernauld, and its engine testing facility in Fife.
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