Polish rocket builder SpaceForest is lobbying for the creation of a permanent launch site in the country to support at least three domestically developed suborbital launch vehicles.
SpaceForest is developing a suborbital rocket called Perun, which it recently launched for the third time from Polandโs Central Air Force Test Range in Ustka. While the company described the launch as a success, the flight was aborted after 29 seconds when it was determined that the rocket was at risk of exceeding the designated range safety zone. The rocket was subsequently recovered, and the company expects to attempt a fourth flight no earlier than March next year.
In addition to SpaceForest and its Perun rocket, Polandโs two other domestically developed suborbital rockets are the ILR-33 BURSZTYN 2K from the ลukasiewicz Institute of Aviation, which became the first Polish rocket to reach space in July 2024, and a three-stage suborbital rocket being developed by a consortium led by state-owned aerospace company WZL-1.
SpaceForest currently uses mobile launch infrastructure, which it must transport to and from the Central Air Force Test Range in Ustka. The company has also signed agreements with EuroSpaceport to conduct launches from a floating platform in the North Sea and with the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium to launch from the Portuguese island of Santa Maria. At the same time, SpaceForest is advocating for the establishment of a domestic spaceport to reinforce sovereign Polish launch capabilities.
โOur goal is for Polish rockets to launch from Poland, supporting scientists, research institutions, and companies in validating solutions under real space conditions, including microgravity, launch, and suborbital flight phases,โ explained the company.
SpaceForestโs proposal includes the construction of a hardened launch pad, a lightweight hangar, and power supply infrastructure. The company has identified the Central Air Force Test Range as the most suitable location for permanent launch infrastructure, citing the facilityโs experience with similar operations, including the establishment of safety zones and associated logistics.
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