Space / Space agency ‘assessing’ Pathfinder launch after rocket firm decision
THE UK Space Agency says it is assessing its Pathfinder satellite launch project – which had been due to take off from SaxaVord Spaceport – after a rocket provider changed the focus of its business.
The project was set to see aerospace giant Lockheed Martin team up with US-based operator ABL for an orbital launch from Unst, with millions of pounds of backing from the UK Government.
However it has been reported that ABL has now exited the commercial launch market and is now focusing on missile defence.
It comes after the RS1 rocket, developed by ABL Space Systems, was irrecoverably damaged in a fire during tests earlier this year.
Lockheed Martin was awarded more than £23 million in government funding for the Pathfinder project in 2018.
It was previously anticipated the launch would happen from Unst in 2022, making it the first ever vertical small satellite launch from UK soil.
However, the launch has not yet happened – and neither have any other take-offs from Unst.
Other companies including RFA, HyImpulse and now Orbex are also looking to launch from SavaVord, with hopes that the first rockets could take to the sky in 2025.
SaxaVord CEO Frank Strang has suggested the Pathfinder project could still launch from Unst, but using a different launch provider.
A spokesperson from the UK Space Agency said: “The global launch market is highly competitive, and the UK Space Agency is aware of the decision taken by ABL Space Systems to shift the focus of its business to missile defence.
“We are working with Lockheed Martin to assess the impact of this decision, and the company will provide an update in due course.
“There are multiple launch operators planning to operate from UK spaceports.”
Strang described Lockheed Martin as an “integrator” which is looking to put their payload on other rockets.
He raised the possibility of companies such as Orbex or RFA working with Lockheed Martin on the project.
A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin said the company remains “committed to delivering new technology solutions that are proven for space flight and ready to support critical customer missions”.
“Part of our strategy is to ensure access to space by diversifying our launch service options – all while placing an emphasis on driving forward with a sense of urgency,” they added.
“We are reviewing and assessing impacts and will work with the UKSA [UK Space Agency] to determine the most appropriate path forward.”
Two years after Pathfinder funding was announced for Lockheed Martin, it was revealed the launch had shifted to SaxaVord from Sutherland in the Highlands.
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