Orbex awarded £3.3 million as part of European Space Agency’s Boost initiative
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
UK-based orbital launch services company, Orbex, has been awarded £3.3 million in funding from the UK Space Agency as part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) “Boost!” initiative. The initiative, which is part of ESA’s Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support programme, is designed to further the development of world-leading space launch technologies.
Orbex will use the funding to undertake activities to build the Ultra-Green Launch Complex at Sutherland Spaceport.
The company is developing Orbex Prime, a 19 metre long reusable rocket designed to launch commercial satellites into space.The site will see the launch of up to 12 orbital rockets per year, with several commercial launch contracts with satellite manufacturers already secured
Martin Coates, chief executive at Orbex said: "Receiving this funding from the UK Space Agency as part the European Space Agency’s Boost! programme is not only very welcome, it’s further validation of our commitment to delivering low-carbon, high-performance space launch services in a way that respects the environment.
"The development of the Ultra-Green Launch Complex at Sutherland Spaceport is a critical step this journey, and this support will enable us to continue working toward our ultimate goal of making the UK a central hub for European space flight.”
Andrew Griffith MP, for the department for Science, innovation and technology added: “The UK’s space industry is thriving, and we’re committed to becoming Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches and developing world class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country. Today’s funding will not only help grow our domestic launch capability but also catalyse investment across the supply chain, creating highly skilled jobs and local opportunities right across the UK.”
