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.
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It is anticipated that most of the UK funding will go to the British company Orbex, as the UK does not participate in the Ariane 6 or Vega C programs.
Portugal contributed €3.40 million, assigning €3.30 million to Orbex for Prime in Component A.
The UK assigned €10 million for Orbex for Prime in Component A and €11.7 million in Component B.
ESA shortlisted Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space, MaiaSpace, and Orbex in July 2025 for the next phase of the initiative.
Denmark contributed €8 million, assigning €1.00 million to Orbex for Prime in Component A and €7.00 million for Component B.
Germany contributed €100,000 to Orbex for Prime in Component A and €1.7 million in Component B.
Czechia committed €200,000 to the European Launcher Challenge, assigning €100,000 to Orbex for Prime in Component A.
ESA shortlisted Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space, MaiaSpace, and Orbex for the next phase of the European Launcher Challenge.
As of January, four European launchers, including Maiaspace, Orbex, Skyrora, and Rocket Factory Augsburg, were aiming for significant milestone flights in 2025.
Astron Systems, Skyrora, Orbex, and PLD Space have begun booking flights ahead of reaching orbit.
ESA selected five companies to advance in the European Launcher Challenge on July 7, 2025: Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, Orbex, PLD Space, and Rocket Factory Augsburg.
ESA selected five companies to advance on July 7: Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, Orbex, PLD Space, and Rocket Factory Augsburg.
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise has expressed deep disappointment at Orbex’s decision to switch launch operations from Sutherland to Shetland and remains committed to working with local people to develop a positive future for Melness and the surrounding area.
The Scottish government will ensure that the £14.6 million in public funding and support to Orbex to develop the Sutherland site is accounted for.
Orbex expects the decision to switch operations to help it reach first launch in 2025 and to provide SaxaVord with another customer to strengthen its commercial proposition.
The Scottish government provided £14.6 million in public funding and support to Orbex to develop the Sutherland site.
Orbex will retain its lease to build and operate a spaceport at Sutherland to preserve flexibility to increase launch capacity in the future.
Orbex has won more than a dozen research and development contracts from the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and the European Commission Horizon 2020 program.
Orbex is a UK-based spaceflight company with headquarters, production, and testing facilities in Scotland and design and testing facilities in Denmark.
Orbex indicated that the move to SaxaVord will free up resources to accelerate its goal of achieving first launch in 2025.