UK-based launch startup Skyrora has completed a 45-second hotfire test of a scaled-down engine designed for the first stage of its orbital Skylark XL rocket. The data gathered from this test will support the development of a larger 70 kN engine, specifically aiding in the refinement of the engine interface, firing operations, and tank design.
Despite being founded in 2017, the company is targeting 2030 for its first orbital launch. COO Jack-James Marlow stated that the firm is prioritizing long-term business stability over rapid growth, aiming to avoid the operational cost traps that have led other competitors to bankruptcy.
Skyrora has secured approximately $65.9 million in venture capital funding since its inception. The company estimates it will need roughly double that amount to reach orbit, planning to cover the remaining costs through a combination of revenue-generating activities and grants rather than relying solely on large funding rounds.
The company's progress has been influenced by external factors, including the availability of launch infrastructure at the SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. Although Skyrora received a launch license in August 2025, it continues to face limitations due to competition for launch pads from other international startups.
