The largest space rocket engine factory in the UK has opened in North Lanarkshire and it will lead to a jobs boost.
Skyrora has opened its new manufacturing and rocket production facility at Drum Mains Park in Cumbernauld, which will accommodate up to 100 high-skilled technical and business roles.
The company specialises in rocket launch vehicles for the launch of small satellites, and portable launch systems.
Production has already commenced on two launch vehicles at the space facility, and there are plans to increase the number to 16 manufactured and assembled at the plant each year ready to make the journey into space.
The Skyrora Vehicle Assembly Building includes 55,000 sq ft of factory floor and office space, and a 67,000 sq ft yard where rocket launches will be rehearsed and preparations made ahead of the real event taking place at Saxavord launch complex in Shetland.
Skyrora has its headquarters in Edinburgh and its CEO and founder, Ukrainian-born Volodymyr Levykin, previously ran an IT company.
He personally invested more than £3.7m in the first 18 months of the rocket engine company’s infancy, and British astronaut Tim Peake is a board member.
Skyrora has been based in the UK since 2017 and recently opened an engine test facility in Midlothian, and the new custom-built facility in North Lanarkshire will allow it to concentrate its launch development practices in domestic facilities.
The Cumbernauld facility is roughly the size of two standard football pitches and can accommodate up to 16 Skyrora XL vehicles for assembly, integration, and launch each year.
Volodymyr Levykin praised his workforce, saying: “To play a significant role in the emerging global space economy, the UK has to develop sovereign launch capabilities.
"This isn’t just about offering different locations for launch, but everything that precedes that moment.
"Being able to offer end-to-end domestic capabilities from development, manufacturing, testing, and launch provides the UK with a crucial advantage as it looks to unlock its capabilities and deliver on its potential on the global stage.
"This crucial asset would not have been possible without the dedication and talent of the entire Skyrora team, both here in Scotland and in Ukraine.”
The second stage of the company’s Skyrora XL rocket testing can now be carried out in Lanarkshire, having been fully manufactured and assembled in-house.
That includes assembly of its 70kN engine which was built using 3D-printed engine components.
It is the most powerful commercially-produced liquid engine in the UK.
“There is an enormous commercial opportunity to be seized here, and a chance for the UK to play a key strategic role in the new space economy,” the company’s founder added.
“However, in order to do this, investment is needed at the highest level of Government to support the efforts of private companies, otherwise we risk missing the chance to future-proof the British economy and letting talent slip through our fingers.”
Pamela Humphries, head of planning and regeneration at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “North Lanarkshire is an ideal location for businesses to set up and grow, with excellent transport links, support, and a skilled workforce, and we are very pleased to welcome Skyrora to the area.
"The company operates in a very exciting and dynamic industry and is ambitious for its development, offering many opportunities for other local businesses to provide support services which can only be positive for our local economy.”
The Cumbernauld facility has received support and collaboration from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Ian Annett, deputy chief executive at the UK Space Agency, said: “As we approach the UK’s first commercial space launch this Summer, Skyrora’s new manufacturing and production facility in Cumbernauld will further enhance the UK’s reputation as Europe’s most attractive destination for launch activities.
“Scotland is home to around one-fifth of all space jobs in the UK and, by harnessing the opportunities provided by commercial spaceflight, we are creating highly skilled jobs and local opportunities in Scotland and across the country.”
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