Cork-based startup SUAS Aerospace announced that it has begun efforts to raise €5 million in seed funding. The company plans to use the funding to begin developing a spaceport in Ireland that would support both suborbital and orbital rocket launches carrying small satellites to polar orbits.
SUAS Aerospace was founded in 2021 with the aim of building a world-class rocket launch and testing facility in Ireland. The company commissioned UK-based B2Space to conduct a feasibility study that identified Ireland as “one of the top three locations in Europe for a spaceport.” The company aims to have the facility fully operational by 2027.
Following an announcement that it had begun the process of raising seed funding, SUAS CEO Rory Fitzpatrick revealed on Twitter that over the next two weeks, he would be in the United States to meet with potential investors for the company’s opening funding round.
“The current round of seed funding will help SUAS Aerospace substantially progress its vision to create a thriving space hub in Ireland,” said Fitzpatrick. “It will help develop initial infrastructure, conduct test launches, establish strategic partnerships and ultimately pave the way for the first orbital launch from Irish soil.”
While the seed round will be its most significant solo funding effort, in December 2023, SUAS received a share of €4.9 million in funding from the EU. The funding was awarded as part of a consortium-led project called EU-BEST (European Bench for Engine and Stage Testing). The project aims to develop interoperability between test infrastructure and launch systems. The consortium includes EES-Clemessy, Spacedreams, OHB Digital Connect, Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, Aeroports de Catalunya, and Pangea Aerospace.
