A SERIES of tests to replicate space-like conditions have been launched at a Rosyth rocket company test centre.

Skyrora have been conducting vacuum chamber engine experiments from its West Fife premises in an effort to advance its launch ambitions.

All 100 tests were successful and the results met Skyrora’s test criteria which means that this sub-system of the three-stage orbital launcher, 'Skyrora XL' is ready for an envisaged launch planned for 2023.

As reported in the Press, Skyrora established its rocket engine test site in Rosyth in July. At the time, they said the complex layout was minimal and consisted mainly of a fuel and oxidiser loading system to put fuel into both tanks and a pressure supply system to feed the fuel to the engine in the test stand.

Head of engineering Dr Jack-James Marlow said: “These tests were a fundamental step for our verification programme for the third-stage LEO engine, which make us a stage closer to fully developing our polar orbital vehicle, Skyrora XL.

"We designed and manufactured a vacuum tube to allow us to lower ambient pressure conditions to approximately 10 per cent of sea level. This is a great technological achievement for Skyrora.”

With the ongoing development of the Skyrora XL orbital vehicle, the Edinburgh-based firm has already signed more than 23 letters of intent with interested customers and is planning to have a launch service agreement in place within the next six months. This could lead to the creation of 150-170 jobs across Scotland.