Astraius is planning to launch its first low-earth orbit satellite in 2024, with further expansion expected in the years to follow. The UK-based space launch company announced its plans in 2021, and since then, it has been working with investors and industry partners to make its ambitions a reality.

Based at Prestwick Spaceport, on the grounds of Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), Astraius plans to use C-17 aircraft for its launches. The C-17 was manufactured by both Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, and over 270 were built before production ended in 2015. They are currently in service with a number of military operators around the world, including both the US Air Force and the UK's Royal Air Force.

View from outside Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Photo: lennystan | Shutterstock

Infrastructure work is ongoing to ensure that Prestwick Spaceport can handle the launches - this includes fuel storage and blast protection. The space sector already employs 45,000 people in the UK, with Scotland accounting for one-fifth of that total. Astraius' plans are expected to create over 4,000 jobs in the local area, positioning Scotland as a critical player in the competitive space industry. The program director of Prestwick Spaceport, Mick O'Connor, said,

"We remain firmly on track to have the first launch ready for 2024 and the potential for this spaceport to completely reinvent the economies of both Ayrshire and Scotland.”

Industry-leading suppliers

Astraius has partnered with US specialist Spirit AeroSystems to work on crucial system components and processes. Spirit AeroStystem's senior vice president, Scott McLarty, celebrated the partnership, saying,

“We are delighted to be working with Astraius to explore opportunities to contribute further to the expansion of the UK Space Sector, through the design, manufacturing, integration and testing of aerostructures for launch activities.”

The CEO of Astraius, Kevin Seymour, also welcomed the news, saying,

“This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first step in what I’m confident will be a long-term partnership with Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit’s advanced manufacturing expertise and world-class facilities can significantly bolster our development roadmap, bringing together UK engineering excellence with proven horizontal launch technology. With both companies located in Prestwick, Scotland’s largest aerospace cluster, our collaboration is further testament to the proactive and vibrant space ecosystem developing around Prestwick Spaceport.”

Company leaders standing in front of a C-17 on the runway.
Photo: Astraius

In addition to Spirit AeroSystems, Astraius is collaborating with two industry-leading suppliers. Northrop Grumman will supply first and second-stage motors to boost the rocket once it has been released from the C-17, while Exquadrum will make the third-stage motor that guides the rocket precisely into the correct orbit.

In the below video, Seymour explains how the horizontal launch technology will work:

Following in Virgin Orbit's footsteps

While the space market is exciting and full of potential, it is not without risk, as recently demonstrated by Virgin Orbit. The company paused operations in March 2023 after laying off most of its staff while it searched for more funding. In addition to the funding drying up, the program's first test launch did not go as planned, with the rocket not reaching its planned orbit, coming down instead in the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately for Virgin Orbit, recovering from the reputational damage that ensued will be difficult.

The Virgin Orbit 'Cosmic Girl' modified Boeing 747-400 on a taxiway.
Photo: Virgin Orbit

It remains to be seen if Virgin Orbit will take to the skies once again, but it laid the foundations for companies like Astraius to plug the gap in the market and support the UK in its goal to become Europe's leading space nation by 2030.

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What do you think of Astraius' plans? Do you think the program will have more success than Virgin Orbit? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

Sources: Advanced Television