During an OHB Capital Markets Update in May, German launch services provider Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) outlined its planned path towards developing a fully reusable heavy-lift rocket called RFA TWO.
RFA was founded as a spin-off of OHB, which still holds a 65% stake in the company. It is currently developing its RFA ONE rocket, which it plans to launch for the first time later this year. According to the company’s website, the rocket is designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,300 kilograms to low Earth orbit.
On 18 May, OHB held a Capital Markets Update to provide investors and analysts with an overview of the group’s strategy, financial outlook, and long-term growth plans. The presentation included a dedicated update on RFA delivered by its COO, Dr. Stefan Brieschenk.
Brieschenk explained that RFA would first introduce the 36-metre-tall Block 1 variant of its RFA ONE rocket. The rocket will be capable of carrying payloads of up to 500 kilograms to low Earth orbit, significantly less than the capacity advertised on its website.
Block 2 will introduce a reusable first stage and an upgraded Helix rocket engine, increasing the vehicle’s payload capacity to 1.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit when flown in an expendable configuration. The upgraded RFA ONE variant is expected to stand 45 metres tall and enter service in 2028.
Beyond RFA ONE, the company plans to scale significantly from the smaller launcher to a fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle. RFA TWO would be powered by 100-tonne-thrust Helix X engines and capable of carrying up to 15 tonnes to low Earth orbit in a fully reusable configuration. Its payload capacity would increase to 25 tonnes when only the first stage is recovered and to 35 tonnes when flown in a fully expendable configuration.
Brieschenk did not specify when the company expects to introduce RFA TWO, stating only that its development was planned for “beyond mid-term.”
Despite not outlining its current financial position, the update did include the potential €190 million it stands to receive through ESA’s European Launcher Challenge as a “Key Fact.” As part of the challenge, the potential funding available to RFA would be split between ESA purchasing launch services aboard its rocket and co-funding the development of its upgraded vehicle. The funding is not guaranteed, though.
As an initial condition of the challenge, RFA must complete a successful orbital launch by the end of 2027. To unlock the co-funding for its Block 2 variant, the company must then demonstrate the upgraded vehicle in flight by the end of 2028.
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