UK Pumps £20 Million Into Orbex Prime To Achieve European Space Ambitions

4th Feb 2025
UK Pumps £20 Million Into Orbex Prime To Achieve European Space Ambitions

Europe’s space sector has seen a shake up after the UK government backed British rocket developers, Orbex, through a £20 million investment. The reason behind the funding is to accelerate and cement the UK as a “European space leader”. Another goal is to support the construction and development of the UK’s first rocket. Once the rocket, labelled Orbex Prime, is complete, the British government is aiming to achieve a launch on Scottish soil. 

Peter Kyle, the UK’s Technology Secretary, said in a statement: “Britain’s impressive toolkit of scientific talent, world class facilities, and unique geography means we stand ready to lead the charge and to work together with our international partners as a key part of the new space revolution in Europe.”

“By investing £20 million in this rocket launch, we are not only helping the country to become a leading destination for small satellite launches in Europe but bringing highly skilled jobs and investment to communities and organisations across the UK.”   

Driving UK Space Ambitions & Using Orbex Prime As A Springboard

Through SaxaVord Spaceport and further developments and funding placed into the UK’s launch capabilities, the UK is set to benefit – especially the Scottish economy. Since Orbex’s Prime rocket began development, more than 140 new jobs appeared – aligning with the UK’s Plan for Change. Politicians also hope to attract more people into STEM education and careers. Ultimately, by placing Prime on a pedestal, the UK government does indeed hope to continue growth in the industry. 

In a statement released by the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), the UK hopes their funding will “inspire a new generation… by showcasing the pivotal role of Britain in the space age.” Similarly, the investment is set to “turbocharge” the UK’s ability to offer commercial and public sectors small satellite launch capabilities from British soil. Generally, the UK is working toward capitalising on the booming industry growth with forecasts eying $50 billion by 2033. “Even 2% of this would bring around $1 billion in revenue for the UK economy alone”, DSIT highlighted. 

“Turbocharge” UK Space Authority Through Scotland Launch

During the Brussels’ European Space Conference, Kyle took a moment to announce their £20 million Orbex investment. However, the motives were not completely altruistic. Part of the reasoning behind the funding is to position “Britain as a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s access to space,” DSIT said. 

While economic growth is an undertone of the announcement, the UK have not shied away from their ambition to become a small satellite launch leader. Another thematic area of Kyle’s proclamation is the UK’s vision to bring overseas investments and increase orbital launches directly from Britain. Once the UK is in a position to proliferate its launch schedule, SaxaVord will be leveraged, especially for the vertical launch of Orbex’s Prime rocket.   

Launching Prime From SaxaVord

Through the £20 million investment, Orbex will further their development of their Prime rocket: a reusable, two-stage, small satellite transport launcher. Once operational, Orbex will use SaxaVord Spaceport to deliver satellites into low Earth orbit via Prime after ditching their home spaceport, Sutherland. A spaceport that has been marred by controversies and delays.

A launch date of late 2025 is etched in the calendar, attracting attention from key partners – namely the UK government – during their Series D fundraising. “We are entering the final preparations to deliver the most flexible and environmentally sustainable launch services to the global satellite industry,” Orbex CEO, Phillip Chambers said.  

Chambers concluded: “This investment paves the way not only for us to launch our first rocket this year but also to develop a larger rocket to enable us to compete in the European Launcher Challenge. These development goals are crucial to our longer-term development.”

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