The company now expects to launch the first Prime rocket “towards the end of 2025”.
Prime rocket
Orbex is a UK-based private, low-cost orbital launch service specialist. It had been working with Sutherland Spaceport until it recently moved operations to SaxaVord.
The company highlights its approach to sustainability for the Prime rocket. Described as an “ultra green launch system”, it is powered by renewable bio-propane fuel. This will cut carbon emissions compared to other similarly sized rockets.
As mentioned, the 19-metre long, two-stage rocket is also designed to be re-useable. On return to Earth, it will be recovered and components will be refurbished and reused in future projects.
“This investment paves the way not only for us to launch our first rocket this year but also to develop a larger rocket to enable us to compete in the European Launcher Challenge,” said Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex. “These development goals are crucial to our longer-term development.”
Satellite launches
“Britain’s impressive toolkit of scientific talent, world class facilities, and unique geography means we stand ready to lead the charge and to work together with our international partners as a key part of the new space revolution in Europe,” added the UK’s Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle.
“By investing £20 million in this rocket launch, we are not only helping the country to become a leading destination for small satellite launches in Europe but bringing highly skilled jobs and investment to communities and organisations across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.
He also highlighted wider implications for the UK space sector.
“Supporting Orbex’s launch will also turbocharge the country’s position in the space sector and inspire our next generation of space professionals, who will be able to design, test, build and launch British rockets, carrying British satellites, from British soil.”
Jobs
Dr Paul Bate, the CEO of the UK Space Agency, also noted the skilled jobs for Scotland:
“Space is a fast-growing global industry and there is a real opportunity for the UK to play a greater role now than ever before. This new government investment is not just about launching a rocket, but building a more prosperous future for all, powered by space technology.”
“Orbex is a highly innovative company that can serve customers in the UK, Europe and beyond with its Prime launch vehicle, create hundreds of high skilled jobs in Scotland and inspire a new generation to reach for the stars. We will work closely with them as we countdown to launch, continue to develop our national space capabilities, and strengthen our international partnerships.”
The government forecasts European demand for satellites to be worth $50 billion by 2033. Just 2% of this market would bring around $1 billion in revenues for the UK economy, it notes.
Saxavord
In the race for UK and European launch firsts, Saxavord Spaceport is in prime position.
Rocket Factory Augsburg has already officially received its spaceflight operator licence for Saxavord from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This gives a green light for Scotland to host the first European vertical launch. RFA is a German company, however, so would be a German launch from UK soil. Orbex can still be the first double-UK launch – UK rocket from UK soil.
Image: Orbex
See also: UK company raises investment for rocket ‘Ramp Up’ period
