RFA parent company to raise serious money. Publicly listed German space technology company OHB has announced plans to raise up to 510.7 million euros ($580 million) by issuing approximately 1.7 million new shares, European Spaceflight reports. In addition to its significant satellite manufacturing business, OHB is involved in two launch vehicle programs through its subsidiary MT Aerospace, a major supplier of the Ariane 6 program, and its stake in Rocket Factory Augsburg.
keen interest in business place …Founded in 2018 as a spinoff of OHB, Rocket Factory Augsburg is working toward the first launch of its RFA One rocket, which has an uncertain date in August 2024 due to a first stage anomaly during static fire testing. Of the funding to be raised, the publication estimates that about 14 percent, or $80 million, could flow to Rocket Factory Augsburg as it continues development. Separately this week, the launch company revealed plans for two larger rockets.
Sirius Space claims pad in French Guiana. The French space agency, CNES, has selected Sirius Space Services to fill a vacancy at the Guiana Space Center’s new multi-user commercial launch facility, European Spaceflight reports. This space became available after MayaSpace moved its planned launch operations to the spaceport’s former Soyuz launch facility.
Three types of small elevators …Sirius Space is developing a series of three rockets based on common rocket boosters. The smallest is the Sirius 1, a two-stage, single-stick rocket capable of delivering up to 180 kg of payload to orbit. Sirius 13 adds two strap-on boosters, increasing payload capacity to 800 kg, while the largest vehicle, Sirius 15, has four boosters and a maximum capacity of 1,100 kg.
Pam Melroy joins Gilmour’s board of directors. Australian aerospace company Gilmour Space said this week it has appointed former NASA deputy administrator, astronaut and retired US Air Force colonel Pamela Melroy to its board of directors. “I am excited to join Gilmour Space at such an important stage in its journey,” Melroy said in a statement. “The team is building a really important sovereign capability for Australia, with ambitions that extend far beyond launch.”
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