RFA parent company to raise serious funds. 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 to the Ariane 6 program, and its stake in Rocket Factory Augsburg.
Strong interest in commercial space … Founded in 2018 as a spinoff of OHB, Rocket Factory Augsburg is working toward the debut launch of its RFA One rocket, which has an uncertain date due to a first-stage anomaly during a static fire test in August 2024. 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. The space became available after MaiaSpace shifted its planned launch operations to the spaceport’s former Soyuz launch facility.
Three variants of small lift … Sirius Space is developing a range of three rockets based around common rocket boosters. The smallest is Sirius 1, a two-stage, single-stick rocket capable of delivering payloads of up to 180 kilograms to orbit. Sirius 13 adds two strap-on boosters, increasing payload capacity to 800 kilograms, while the largest vehicle, Sirius 15, features four boosters and tops out at 1,100 kilograms.
Pam Melroy joins Gilmour’s board of directors. Australian aerospace company Gilmour Space said this week it appointed former NASA deputy administrator, astronaut, and retired US Air Force Colonel Pamela Melroy to its board of directors. “I’m excited to join Gilmour Space at such an important stage of its journey,” Melroy said in a statement. “The team is building a genuinely critical sovereign capability for Australia, with ambitions that extend well beyond launch.”
