22.11.2025

Credit: B2Space

Welsh launch services startup B2Space has completed a key test of its rockoon launch system, which utilises a large balloon to carry a solid-fuel rocket to high altitude, at which point it’s launched.

Founded in 2016, Newport-based B2Space is a near-space operations company developing a balloon-based rocket launch system, commonly referred to as a rockoon, to provide small-satellite access to orbit.

In a 17 November update, the company announced that it had completed a test of its integrated rockoon launch system using a “rocket of lower power than that planned for the commercial version of the system.” The test was conducted from the Port of Vueltas in Valle Gran Rey in the Canary Islands. Its aim was to validate key elements of the company’s rockoon launch system, including the rocket rail alignment and ignition subsystems.

The balloon was launched at 4:00 CET and carried the small rocket to an altitude of 21.5 kilometres, at which point the rocket was launched. Speaking to European Spaceflight, B2Space CTO Valentin confirmed that the ignition system had been successful but did not share any details about the state of the rocket itself. In a 17 November update, the company confirmed that all elements of the launch system had been successfully recovered following the test.

Moving forward, Canales explained that the company would repeat the test with a larger rocket in April 2026. He added that the company also planned to go beyond the Kármán line (the recognised boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space) next year.

Once B2Space has fully validated its rockoon launch system, the company will move forward with preparations for its first orbital flight. According to Canales, the company plans to purchase off-the-shelf, space-qualified rocket motors for its orbital-class rocket from an “international rocket company.”

Once operational, a large, high-altitude balloon will carry the rocket to 35 kilometres before launch. The system will be capable of delivering payloads of up to 200 kilograms to low Earth orbit.

Quelle: European Spaceflight