Orbex Space

Orbex Space is a UK-based space launch company, providing launch services for the small satellite industry. The company facilitates the launching of customer satellites to low-earth orbit (LEO), polar orbit, and sun synchronous orbit (SSO) from its spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland located in A’Mhoine peninsula in Scotland. According to the company, its Prime launch vehicle can carry a payload of 180 kg (up to 200 kg depending on the final destination) and can accommodate various types of payloads ranging from single mini satellites to nano and cube satellites. The company’s first launch was slated for 2025; it would carry an experimental payload from Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Orbex Space is committed to supporting ESA’s Clean Space initiative, and claimed it was developing one of the most environmentally friendly space launch vehicles ever built. Orbex opened its first design facility in Denmark in 2016 and initiated its first engine test in 2017.

In July 2023, Orbex announced plans to expand its Scottish and Danish facilities by over 30% to prepare for the launch of its Prime rocket.

Key customers and partnerships

In 2018, the company was selected by the ESA as its preferred micro launcher project. Orbex is also working with Europe’s largest supplier of bio-propane, Calor, to develop an environmentally friendly launch vehicle supporting its efforts to be carbon-neutral.

Orbex partnered with Arianespace in June 2023 to collaboratively offer small satellite launch services to customers. In July 2024, the company also partnered with Syensqo to improve the durability of its launch vehicles using Syensqo’s adhesive polymer materials.