German startup Ratlog, founded by Dresden University graduates, has unveiled a heavy-lift launch vehicle project during the Y Combinator fall cohort. The company aims to reduce the number of components in its rocket engine by 90 percent while maintaining performance levels comparable to the Falcon 9.
The development timeline has been rapid. The startup secured a €30,000 grant from the German government in April, followed by prototype testing in early September. Shortly after, the company joined Y Combinator. In comparison, Isar Aerospace, which was founded in 2018, launched its first smaller rocket in 2025.
Ratlog plans to conduct hot-fire tests in November and showcase its results at the Y Combinator Demo Day in December. The startup has already secured preliminary agreements with satellite constellation operators and orbital data center providers.
The company intends to position itself as a more affordable alternative to the Ariane 6, focusing on the European market. For launch operations, Ratlog is currently evaluating potential sites in Oman and the UAE.
