Smallspark Space Systems is a Welsh aerospace company developing hybrid engine launch vehicle technology. The company wants to reduce the cost of launching small satellites into low earth orbit.
Smallspark is targeting both the suborbital and orbital launch markets. The company has 2 launch vehicles under development:
- Frost Micro - 50kg payload to a 100km+ apogee.
- Frost 1 - up to 100kg to a 500km low Earth orbit.
Smallspark collaborates with groups across the United Kingdom. They plan to develop their engines and future launch vehicles with the University of Swansea. Smallspark is collaborating with the Shetland Space Centre on Unst, where it plans to launch its vehicles. Launch vehicle tests are scheduled for March/April 2020.
The Cardiff based company was founded in 2018 by CEO Joseph Ward. On January 14th, 2020, Smallspark was awarded a £100k grant from Sprint for software and engine development with The University of Southampton.
