Argo: A Closer Look At RFA’s Future Spacecraft

On March 21, the German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has unveiled new important details regarding its future space cargo capsule, Argo. The spacecraft is developed in collaboration with Space Cargo Unlimited and ATMOS Space Cargo and is set to conduct its maiden flight in 2028.

*Argo approaching the International Space Station. Credits: RFA*

Instead of a standard press release, the company has decided to respond to various questions posted on social media in a blog post. This initiative of transparency is highly appreciated within the context of the European aerospace sector, which often tends to be reluctant to engage extensively with the space community.

A new space cargo capsule for Europe

In September 2023, a consortium led by RFA submitted the project as part of the ESA’s Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative (CCTI), launched in May. The initiative aims to encourage European private entities to develop a reusable space transportation system to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) and future private space stations. As known, Europe has lacked this fundamental capability since the retirement of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) in 2015.

*Example of Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). Credits: NASA*

Initially, the project envisaged a capsule capable of carrying 3,400 kg to LEO, then enhanced to 4,000 kg following the updated ESA’s LEO Cargo Return Service initiative presented at the 2023 Space Summit, held in Spain in November.

Argo details

This capability could potentially position the European spacecraft as a serious competitor when compared to other capsules currently available. The Russian spacecraft Progress can carry 2,400 kg to LEO, while SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon has a capacity of up to 6,000 kg and can bring back 3,000 kg of payload from the ISS. Currently, RFA is projecting a launch price of € 150 million.

Explore the updated Argo:

✅ €150M for 4000 kg cargo.
✅ An end-to-end service that integrates with a future RFA heavy lift launch system, streamlining the supply chain to provide a big customer advantage – attractive pricing.
✅ A completely reusable solution developed for… pic.twitter.com/l0riZ5cx6S
— Rocket Factory Augsburg (@rfa_space) March 11, 2024

Argo will be 7.7 meters long and 3.7 meters in diameter; a pressurized capsule in the front, the service module as the middle section, and the Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerator in the back with the engines. It will be capable of delivering the same mass during launch and reentry, thanks to the innovative Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerator (IAD), developed by Atmos Space Cargo. Another point of strength of the spacecraft is its compatibility with various, existing and upcoming, launch vehicles.

Argo released from a rocket's upper stage. Credits: RFA — *Argo released from a rocket’s upper stage. Credits: RFA*

In orbit, Argo will be powered by two Fenix engines, with an additional 24 100 N thrusters for the Reaction Control System (RCS).

RFA: finally some European ambitious plans

RFA, founded in 2018, is positioning itself as one of the most ambitious space startups in the European sector. They began with the development of the RFA ONE small-lift rocket. powered by 9 Fenix engines, it will be capable of carrying up to 1,300 kg to SSO orbit. Its maiden launch is now scheduled for the second part of 2024.

*Rendering of the RFA ONE rocket. Credits: RFA*

As already announced by the company and reiterated in today’s post, RFA aims to develop a bigger rocket, as part of the European Launcher Challenge, with the intention of using it also for launching Argo. Considering the declared dry mass, propellant mass, and payload capacity of the spacecraft, the future rocket should be capable of lifting at least 12,000 kg to LEO.

RFA will leverage a modular approach for the development of its transportation system. This is made possible through the utilization of existing technology from European partnerships and the development of the company’s own systems, which will be tested with RFA ONE and the Redshift Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV).

Furthermore, the company has not denied the possibility of using its spacecraft beyond the low earth orbit and it also aims to develop human flight capabilities. RFA’s plans are very ambitious and could represent a breakthrough for the stagnant European space capabilities. However, the road ahead is still long, and as we know, space is hard.