In the dynamic landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment, Scottish-based startup Skyrora is making waves and offering a unique perspective. At the forum of TASTI 2023 organized by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), Skyrora emphasized the evolving launch industry and the pivotal role played by small startups. Volodymyr Levykin, Skyrora's CEO, unveiled that Skyrora set to make its first orbital launch early in 2024.
One key focus for small launchers like Skyrora is the ride-share model, which has become a standard in the industry due to its cost-effectiveness. The ride-share approach allows multiple payloads to share a single rocket, resulting in significantly lower launch costs. However, this method has its limitations, including potentially lengthy waiting periods for launches and the challenge of placing satellites into different orbits.
What's Skyrora's answer to this? Volodymyr Levykin came up with an analogy: "We see in the SpaceX, it's like a bus service. The passengers can enjoy the low cost of the tickets, but they need to coexist with other passengers and wait on the bus stop. They can only go out on a certain bus stop, and then walk to their final location. As for Skyrora, we're proposing the dedicated taxi services for our customers. The market is growing." This approach offers more flexibility to customers who may prefer a dedicated launch tailored to their specific needs.
The launch industry is on the cusp of transformation, with the SpaceX Starship program poised to be a game changer. This revolutionary program has the potential to redefine the space industry, offering greater capabilities and efficiencies. In combination with SpaceX's Starlink project, the industry is poised for a commercial breakthrough that could inspire significant investment.
Skyrora and companies like it are positioned to take advantage of these changes in the industry, offering innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of the market. As the space exploration sector continues to expand, Skyrora anticipates that its dedicated launch services will play a vital role in the evolving space ecosystem.
Skyrora's multifaceted approach to space technology is poised to take off. At the forefront is the Skylark L, a powerful suborbital launch vehicle designed to ascend to 300,000 feet while transporting a substantial 100kg payload. The Skyrora XL, an orbital launch vehicle boasting the capacity to deploy 315kg into LEO. These launch capabilities are bolstered by the SpaceTug, an in-orbit system that facilitates a multitude of crucial tasks, including satellite placement, removal, reorientation, inspection, refueling, debris removal, and constellation maintenance.
To support these space endeavors, Skyrora offers a unique solution – Mobile Spaceport. This mobile launch platform provides flexibility, allowing launches from a wide range of locations worldwide. Volodymyr Levykin, highlighted its portability, describing it as a "container-based solution" that can be deployed virtually anywhere, eliminating the need for traditional airfields for rocket launches.
Moreover, the company takes a step towards sustainability with Ecosene, a rocket-grade kerosene manufactured from non-recyclable plastics. Skyprint, a proprietary additive manufacturing system, harnesses an array of superalloys to produce intricate components with a substantial size of up to 2.37 meters. Beyond its cost-saving benefits, Skyprint enables printing in outer space.
Volodymyr Levykin, an Ukrainian-born tech entrepreneur, who founded Skyrora in 2017, runs the business of orbital and suborbital launch vehicles and defence-capable drones.
Following the outbreak of war, the CEO admitted he had to quickly shut down the R&D center in Ukraine, understanding that as a rocket launcher company, they were a potential target for Russia's attacks. Furthermore, he clarified that the solid motor production lines are not considered assets but rather easy targets for destruction.
He swiftly transitioned the conversation to focus on the pressing concern of mainland China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan. "I hope you guys are preparing for the next one. It's obvious. I'm preparing for the war. Are you ready?"
