[Funding alert] UK-based Orbital Launch Services Company Orbex Secures £3.3m in Funding

The initiative, which is part of ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support programme, is designed to further the development of world-leading space launch technologies.

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Orbex will use the funding to undertake activities to build the Ultra-Green Launch Complex at Sutherland Spaceport, located on the north coast of Scotland. The spaceport is being designed with sustainability in mind, and is intended to be the first spaceport globally to be carbon-neutral in its construction and operation.

Sustainability is also a core driver in the design of the company’s advanced, low-carbon, high-performance micro-launcher, Orbex Prime. Prime is a 19-metre-long rocket designed to launch small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

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Orbex: Martin Coates, CEO, “Receiving this funding from the UK Space Agency as part the European Space Agency’s Boost! programme is not only very welcome, it’s further validation of our commitment to delivering low-carbon, high-performance space launch services in a way that respects the environment. The development of the Ultra-Green Launch Complex at Sutherland Spaceport is a critical step this journey, and this support will enable us to continue working toward our ultimate goal of making the UK a central hub for European space flight.”

Government: Andrew Griffith MP, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,“The UK’s space industry is thriving and we’re committed to becoming Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches and developing world class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country. Today’s funding will not only help grow our domestic launch capability but also catalyse investment across the supply chain, creating highly skilled jobs and local opportunities right across the UK.”

UKSA: Matt Archer, Director of Launch, “Our investment in Orbex demonstrates our continued commitment to make the UK Europe’s leading destination for launch by encouraging the development of launch companies. This funding will help Orbex to develop the launch site at Sutherland Spaceport, enhancing our launch capability, creating high skilled jobs, and supporting the government’s vision for the UK to be Europe’s most attractive launch destination by 2030."

About Orbex

Orbex is a private, low-cost orbital launch services provider based in the UK that was founded in 2015 to meet the demands of the small satellite industry. One of the world's most sophisticated, high-performing, low-carbon micro-launch vehicles is the creation of Orbex.

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In addition to a range of auxiliary services that simplify clients' lives, we provide a customisable core launch service. Higher reliability, more adaptable mission profile options, and a regular, scheduled launch service are all made possible by our sophisticated launch vehicle.