Redford Barracks

Commencing countdown, engines on

Skyrora the Edinburgh company intent on going to space is ready to test its newly built 3D printed liquid bi-propellant rocket engine.

The new 3-tonne engine was made with advanced materials and uses a regenerative cooling approach. The 3D process is called ‘powder bed fusion’ which uses a laser to melt and fuse the metal powder together. The company used the printing method as it increases the accuracy of the component parts which also decrease in number, leading to lower costs.

Skyrora’s commercial sub-orbital vehicle Skylark-L is expected to be ready for launch by Summer 2020, and the company plans to start testing this engine in Scotland soon.

Dr Jack-James Marlow, Engineering Manager at Skyrora, said: "Completion of the 30 kN engine manufacture is a key milestone for us, and allows Skyrora to proceed with hot fire testing for validation. Additive Layer Manufacturing was a real gamechanger, as it allowed us to integrate the cooling channels into one printed chamber piece.

“At Skyrora, we are always looking to expand the impact space can have on our lives. Our vision is to make the UK a world leader in the growing space sector, unlocking the benefits of increased access to space for all.

“This development places Skyrora as a leader in the European launch vehicle market.

With our plans to start testing and then launch, 2020 is going to be an exciting year for us. We can’t wait to get started.”

On another planet

Planet Kuku founded by Mat Noniewicz and Maria Janowczyk are now working from a new commercial kitchen in Telferton Industrial Estate near Portobello. The new 1800 square feet space will allow them to increase production of their Middle Eastern frittata-style delicacies.

Their turnover has risen from £37,000 to £90,000 in the last two years - and they expect to double last year’s figure in 2020.

They began making their unique dish, known as Kuku, which is 100% vegan, using chickpeas, flower, water and Scottish cold pressed rapeseed oil, in their home in 2015 and selling at various markets and food events.

They have had assistance from Business Gateway Edinburgh and Head Susan Harkins said : “We are delighted to be able to help Planet Kuku to grow their business with ongoing support in many different areas, including 121 mentorship, research and network building.

“They have carved out a fantastic niche product which is guaranteed to continue to grow and be a huge success.”

Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield has been transformed!

To exceed the expectations of our guests we have invested £2.6 million to upgrade all hotel facilities.