HyImpulse and SaxaVord Spaceport sign launch agreement to advance European launch capabilities

HyImpulse Technologies GmbH (“HyImpulse”), a European launch services provider with operations in Germany and the United Kingdom, has signed a launch services agreement with SaxaVord Spaceport for the second flight of its SR75 suborbital launch vehicle. The mission is targeted for later this year and will mark HyImpulse’s first launch from European territory.

The agreement follows the successful inaugural lift-off of SR75 from Koonibba, Australia, where the vehicle demonstrated stable flight validating system performance under operational conditions. The mission confirmed the maturity of HyImpulse’s proprietary hybrid propulsion technology.

Under the agreement, SaxaVord will provide launch infrastructure and operational support for the launch of the SR75. The collaboration contributes to strengthening distributed and resilient launch capabilities across Europe.

HyImpulse, a German-British microlauncher, has signed a launch agreement with UK spaceport SaxaVord (Shetland Islands), marking its first launch from European soil, targeted for end of Q3 2026. The company achieved a successful lift-off in Australia in 2024 — the first by a European microlauncher — using a hybrid propulsion system (paraffin “candle wax” + liquid oxygen).

Key facts:

• First European microlauncher with successful lift-off (Australia, 2024)
• Launch agreement with SaxaVord; first European launch planned for Q3 2026
• SaxaVord licensed for up to 30 launches per year
• ~€70m+ funding raised, incl. ~€45m latest round
• Backed by Dieter Schwarz’s venture arm (Lidl founder)
• Operations across Germany and the UK (incl. Glasgow)

Why this matters now:

• Europe remains dependent on non-European launch providers, particularly SpaceX
• Governments are scaling investment in space as part of national security architecture
• Germany is planning ~€35bn in space-related defense capabilities by 2030
• The UK has committed ~£2.8bn to its space sector through 2030

The bigger picture: Amid rising geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine and the Middle East reshaping defense priorities, access to space is increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure — underpinning communications, intelligence, and military capabilities. The launch deal highlights how both governments and space tech companies are moving to build end-to-end, sovereign launch capacity within Europe.

CEO Dr. Christian Schmierer, a trained aerospace engineer, is available — he can speak, among other, to the company’s plans in the UK, the wider space tech industry,  the UK’s role in Europe’s space ambitions, the intersection of commercial space and defense demand, and what policy and capital frameworks are required to scale independent launch capabilities in Europe.

Expanding European Launch Capabilities

Demand for fast, flexible and cost-efficient launch services continues to expand globally. Suborbital missions enable microgravity research, atmospheric testing, and payload qualification ahead of orbital deployment. The SR75 mission from SaxaVord will provide institutional and commercial customers with reliable access to high-altitude, hypersonic speed and microgravity environments while reinforcing Europe’s capacity to conduct launches from its own territory.

Dr. Christian Schmierer, Co-Founder and CEO of HyImpulse, said: “The successful first lift-off of SR75 marked an important milestone. Establishing launch operations in Europe is the next step in our roadmap and supports the continued development of sovereign launch capabilities.”

Scott Hammond, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “This is the culmination of our long-standing partnership with HyImpulse and further strengthens SaxaVord’s position at the vanguard of UK vertical space launch. We look forward to working with the HyImpulse team in support of this mission and further expanding launch activity from our spaceport.”

Matt Archer, Director of Launch at the UK Space Agency, said: “The National Space Innovation Programme exists to back ambitious companies like HyImpulse, and today’s agreement with SaxaVord is exactly the kind of partnership that can transform that ambition into reality. Assured access to space means greater resilience for our space sector, new skilled jobs, and a stronger signal to investors that Britain is serious about its place in the new space economy.”

HyImpulse’s SR75 Suborbital Rocket: Hybrid Propulsion designed for flexible, fast and cost-efficient access to space

SR75 is a single-stage suborbital launch vehicle designed for microgravity experiments, technology demonstration, and atmospheric research. The vehicle delivers 75 kN of thrust at sea level and reaches altitudes of up to 200 kilometers. It carries payloads of up to 250 kilograms, with a two-stage parachute recovery system enabling reliable payload recovery.

The rocket is powered by HyImpulse’s proprietary hybrid engine using paraffin-based solid fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX). Paraffin, being both cost-effective and inherently safe as a fuel, serves as an alternative to conventional liquid or solid fuels and does not have the risk of exploding. This innovative design significantly simplifies the construction of launch vehicles, cutting costs by a remarkable 40 percent compared to traditional propulsion systems.

A growing presence in the UK

HyImpulse maintains a growing operational presence in the United Kingdom, including engineering and commercial activities. The mission from SaxaVord will further strengthen the company’s UK footprint, support high-skilled employment, and contribute to the development of domestic end-to-end space capabilities.

About HyImpulse

HyImpulse Technologies GmbH is a leading German manufacturer and system provider of commercial rockets for suborbital and orbital launch services. Its small satellite launch vehicles with unique hybrid rocket propulsion using oxygen and paraffin set standards in the commercial space sector. With over 90 employees at locations in Neuenstadt, Ottobrunn and Glasgow, HyImpulse develops rockets to transport commercial payloads efficiently, sustainably and reliably into low Earth orbit and beyond.

About SaxaVord Spaceport

SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK’s only fully-licensed vertical launch spaceport, with three launchpads at Lamba Ness in Unst, Shetland, either complete or in development, tracking and telemetry system, mission control centre and integration hangar, as well as permission to handle up to 30 launches with small satellite payloads per year. Our relatively high latitude (60N) and unique geography provides easy access to flightpaths into low earth polar and sun-synchronous orbits.