German space companies Rocket Factory Augsburg, Yuri, and ATMOS Space Cargo have announced a new partnership to launch an end-to-end service for microgravity research.
The three companies’ new “Eva” microgravity research service was presented at the 2023 edition of Weltraumkongress (Space Congress) in Berlin, Germany.
RFA will be responsible for the service’s low-cost launch services. The company will utilize its RFA ONE launch vehicle, which is capable of deploying up to 1,300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. The rocket’s capabilities will be enhanced with the use of the RFA Redshift kick stage.
ATMOS will contribute its Phoenix return capsule that will host scientific, experimental, or demonstration payloads. The company will also be responsible for the recovery of the capsule following each mission.
Finally, Yuri will provide its ScienceTaxi life science bioreactor and incubator facilities, which provide temperature control, full automation, and real-time data collection.
A joint press release explained that EVA represents “an unprecedented and flexible alternative to the ISS laboratory.”
“Customers receive a complete solution from three experts in their respective fields, allowing them to focus on their core business. We are also particularly proud to be able to fully map the value chain with our partners in Germany, RFA CCO Jörn Spurmann explained. “This is a great sign of German NewSpace Industry capability.”
Customers will be able to take advantage of the new Eva service from 2025. The mission will be carried out from SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Scotland.
