SUAS Aerospace, the leading Irish aerospace company based in Cork, and T-Minus Engineering, a Netherlands-based company that develops, produces and launches rocket systems for research, observation and training purposes, have announced a strategic partnership to launch the Pathfinder mission in late 2025. Pathfinder is Ireland’s first commercial rocket launch.
This groundbreaking endeavour will serve to position Ireland as a key player in the European space industry. Up to now European orbital rocket launches have primarily been conducted from French Guiana in South America. With the stated EU aim of having sovereignty in space, this Irish launch heralds a truly new era for the European space industry.
To execute the Pathfinder mission T-Minus will provide expertise in solid rocket propulsion, onboard electronics, and launch operations; while SUAS Aerospace will oversee the complex logistics of the launch including site acquisition, licensing, and stakeholder engagement. T-Minus is the most prolific rocket-launch business in Europe.
The Pathfinder launch site will be on Ireland’s west coast, which is an ideal destination for commercial rocket launches. Offering cost-effectiveness, easy access by sea and air, and a large safety zone over the Atlantic Ocean, the west coast location will establish Ireland’s position in the European launch market and encourage state support for space infrastructure to capitalise on this once in a generation opportunity.
The project will demonstrate Ireland’s geographical advantage and capability for delivering satellites to Northerly and Southerly low earth orbits and focus European awareness on the opportunity for commercial rocket launches from Ireland.
T-Minus Engineering brings extensive expertise in the development, production, and launching of rocket systems, providing end-to-end solutions for both the scientific and defence markets. With capabilities in solid rocket propulsion, onboard electronics and telemetry, lightweight materials, and safety simulations, T-Minus Engineering has a proven track record, having launched various rockets from locations across the globe, including Australia, Scandinavia, and the UK.
Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of SUAS Aerospace, said: “The Pathfinder mission is a significant milestone for Ireland’s space program. It will not only demonstrate the country’s technical capabilities but also contribute to economic growth and job creation. By partnering with T-Minus, we are ensuring that the launch meets the highest safety standards and regulatory requirements, paving the way for future space activities.
“Having collaborated on a project previously with T-Minus Engineering, they are the obvious choice for the Pathfinder mission, having conducted multiple suborbital launches within Europe and worldwide,” he said.
Hein Olthof, CEO of T-Minus Engineering, said: “As T-Minus seeks new opportunities outside the Netherlands due to space restrictions, the Pathfinder project presents a unique solution and will support our further expansion across Europe. We believe this partnership will open up new opportunities for our customers, and we are confident that our collaboration with SUAS Aerospace will lead to innovative and successful projects, fuelling the growth of Europe’s space capabilities. Ireland can be a centre of this growth.”
“The establishment of new launch sites, such as Ireland, will encourage harmonization of launch operations within Europe, mainly in regulations, which in the end leads to better and more efficient legislation. This can give Europe the desired edge in the important field of space access.”
SUAS Aerospace was founded in 2019 and is supported by Enterprise Ireland. With initial investment of €1.1 million to date, and along with T-Minus Engineering, it has secured significant partnerships with major European Companies including Skyrora and Pangea Aerospace. It is part of a successful consortium awarded a €5m grant from Horizon Europe to develop interoperable (plug and play) rocket engine testing infrastructure for Europe.
