THE UK Government has invested £20 million in Moray-headquartered spaceflight company Orbex.
Orbex is developing both small and medium-sized space rockets and initial launch operations to take place from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.
The investment will help fund what will be the first UK-manufactured and launched orbital rocket, Prime. Set to take off from late 2025 at the Shetland site, the government said that Prime will catalyse the UK’s position as a leading small satellite manufacturer.
Prime will benefit from Scotland’s latitude as well as the country’s geographical positioning providing ‘easy access’ to valuable polar orbits. The rocket is poised to become the first in a new generation of ultra green launch systems powered by renewable bio-propane fuel.
The rocket is also designed to be re-useable. Upon returning to Earth, what does not burn up in the atmosphere will be recovered and components will be refurbished and reused in future projects.
The project currently supports over 140 ‘highly paid’ jobs in Forres, with ‘many more’ anticipated as Orbex continues to grow.
UK Government technology secretary, Peter Kyle, said, “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.
“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.
“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.”
Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, added, “This first of a kind investment by the UK government demonstrates its confidence in the UK’s space rocket manufacturing and launch sector and is an exciting start to the opening of our series D fundraising. We are entering the final preparations to deliver the most flexible and environmentally sustainable launch services to the global satellite industry.
“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. These development goals are crucial to our longer-term development.”
