KKR invests €30 million in Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) for micro launcher development

Rocket Factory Augsburg receives €30 million from KKR for innovative micro-launcher development. Investment aims to make access to space more cost-effective.

Augsburg, Germany - Aerospace company Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) announced today that it has received a €30 million investment from KKR, a global investment firm. The funding will support RFA in the development of its micro-launcher and demonstrates the growing interest in cost-effective access to space. KKR becomes a leading investor in RFA through this investment, alongside existing strategic investor OHB.

Our goal is to provide cost-effective solutions for access to space and enable data-generating business models. KKR's investment reflects confidence in our strategy and accelerates our mission.

Stefan Tweraser, CEO of RFA

The investment follows the successful completion of the upper stage hot fire test in May 2023, a technical achievement that is a first in Europe. This underlines investors' confidence in RFA's business model, which is focused on solid and sustainable growth. Funds from the investment will be used to conduct the planned integrated first stage test and complete the launch pad at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. The RFA ONE micro-launcher is ultimately scheduled for first launch in the second quarter of 2024. KKR's investment comes from KKR European Fund VI, KKR's newest European private equity fund.