Orbex Space is a UK-based, private launch services company focused on serving the small satellite industry. They are developing the Orbex Prime, a micro-launch vehicle designed for low-Earth orbit satellite deployment, utilizing innovative and sustainable bio-propane fuel. While initially planning to launch from Sutherland Spaceport, Orbex has shifted its launch operations to SaxaVord Spaceport. Orbex's key partners and customers include the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and companies like Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and Astrocast.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
With Orbex no longer involved in Sutherland, Rocket Factory Augsburg is identified as the most likely recipient of the remaining €112.30 million under the European Launcher Challenge.
Orbex appointed administrators and laid off its workforce, resulting in abandonment of its role in the Sutherland spaceport project.
The Melness Crofters Estate owns the land leased to Orbex for the Sutherland spaceport and sought new partners to deliver the spaceport in late February 2026.
The European Launcher Challenge initiative selected five operators so far, including Orbex, to expand European launch service supply.
Orbex had been planning the first test launches of its micro-launcher Prime later this year.
The operators selected for the European Launcher Challenge include Orbex, Germany's Isar, Germany's Rocket Factory Augsburg, France's MaiaSpace, and Spain's PLD Space.
Orbex began construction of the Sutherland Spaceport on Scotland's north coast in 2023, paused construction at the end of 2024, and decided to shift its launch operations to SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands.
Orbex has commercial launch commitments from several satellite customers for its Prime micro-launcher, which is a low-carbon microlauncher.
Orbex was founded in 2016 and employs 163 people.
Skyrora, based in Glasgow, intends to explore the purchase of select Orbex assets, including the Sutherland Spaceport, which could see it invest up to £10 million ($13.6 million).
Orbex, based near Inverness in Scotland, will continue trading while options for the company's future, including potential sale of all or parts of its business or assets, are explored.
Orbex entered the process of appointing administrators after fundraising, merger and acquisition opportunities concluded unsuccessfully.
Orbex paused construction of Spaceport Sutherland in late 2024 to focus resources on developing a new medium-lift launch vehicle called Proxima.
Orbex’s Journey to Launch program formally ended on 18 February 2026.
Orbex officially closed after failing to secure new funding, and construction of Spaceport Sutherland has been abandoned.
Orbex planned the first test launches of its microlauncher Prime for later this year.
Several merger and acquisition opportunities for Orbex were explored and none resulted in a favorable outcome.
Orbex has created hundreds of skilled jobs in Scotland.
Phil Chambers is the CEO of Orbex.
Orbex holds commercial launch commitments from several satellite customers for the Prime microlauncher.