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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 paused construction of Spaceport Sutherland in late 2024 to focus resources on developing a new medium-lift launch vehicle called Proxima.
Orbex holds commercial launch commitments from several satellite customers for the Prime microlauncher.
Orbex describes Prime as one of the most advanced, low-carbon microlaunchers in the world.
Orbex has created hundreds of skilled jobs in Scotland.
Skyrora intends to explore the purchase of select Orbex assets, including the Sutherland Spaceport.
Skyrora views an acquisition of Orbex assets as safeguarding the product of taxpayer funds historically injected into Orbex.
Orbex’s Series D funding round failed to secure the funding required for the company to remain a viable business.
Orbex’s explored options include potential sale of all or parts of its business or assets.
Orbex has filed a notice of intention to appoint Administrators while continuing to trade as it explores options for the future of the company.
Skyrora believes that securing select Orbex assets is vital to preserving UK space capability, protecting national critical infrastructure, and ensuring that technology and IP developed in the UK remains under UK ownership.
Several merger and acquisition opportunities for Orbex were explored and none resulted in a favorable outcome.
Phil Chambers is the CEO of Orbex.
Orbex planned the first test launches of its microlauncher Prime for later this year.
The notice of intention to appoint Administrators provides short-term protection intended to give Orbex time to seek the best possible outcome for its creditors, employees, and wider stakeholders.
Fusion negotiations with the Franco-German company The Exploration Company reportedly failed after Orbex lost financial backing from the British National Wealth Fund.
Skyrora could invest up to £10 million (approximately €11.5 million) to acquire part of Orbex’s assets.
Skyrora has expressed interest in acquiring the Sutherland spaceport construction project that Orbex had been managing.
Orbex will continue operating while it considers the full or partial sale of its assets.