UK Government Injects £20 Million into Scottish Spaceflight Startup Orbex
In a significant move to boost the UK’s space sector, the British government has invested £20 million in Orbex, a Scottish spaceflight startup that aims to rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This investment is part of a larger funding round, which has raised £23 million for the firm.
Orbex: A Sustainable Space Rocket Manufacturer
Orbex develops small and medium-sized space rockets, using a renewable form of propane known as bio-propane to fuel its rockets. The startup is set to launch its first rocket, called Prime, towards the end of 2025. Measuring 19 meters long, Prime is designed to transport small satellites into low-earth orbit.
Government Support for UK-Made Rockets
The government’s investment in Orbex will contribute to its ambition to regularly launch UK-made rockets from British soil. According to British Tech Minister Peter Kyle, supporting Orbex will help “turbocharge the country’s position in the space sector.”
Orbex CEO: Government Investment a Vote of Confidence
Orbex CEO Phillip Chambers welcomed the government’s investment, saying it “demonstrates its confidence in the UK’s space rocket manufacturing and launch sector.” The investment will pave the way for Orbex to launch its first rocket this year and develop a larger rocket to compete in the European Launcher Challenge.
UK Space Sector Heating Up
Orbex isn’t the only British startup taking on SpaceX. Skyrora, another space firm, is aiming to launch satellites from UK soil for the first time later this year. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German startup, is also planning a UK launch for 2025. These startups specialize in microlauncher rockets, which are designed to carry far lighter payloads.
Sustainable Space Launch Systems
Orbex touts its rockets as a more sustainable way of sending small satellites into orbit. A University of Exeter study found that a single launch of its Prime rocket would produce up to 96% fewer carbon emissions than comparable space launch systems using fossil fuels.
European Sovereign Space Capabilities
Developing sovereign space capabilities in Europe is crucial, according to RFA CEO Stefan Tweraser. “The regulatory framework and the competitive positioning of Europe, a commercially successful operation, and a degree of service that offers support for every satellite operator are the foundation for us to be successful, despite the deep pockets of the U.S.,” he said.
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