Orbital Express Launch Ltd. (Orbex)

Orbital Express Launch Ltd. (Orbex)
Description: Orbex is a UK-based private aerospace company specializing in the development of low-cost, environmentally friendly orbital launch services tailored for the small satellite industry. The company has developed one of the most advanced, low-carbon, high-performance micro-launch vehicles globally.
Vision:
To lead the European market in eco-friendly orbital launch services, supporting the growth and innovation of the small satellite sector.
Mission:
To provide efficient and sustainable launch solutions for small satellites, enabling cost-effective access to space while minimizing environmental impact.
Contact:
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Investors:
Funding:
  • Pre-Seed Funding: Jul 15, 2016, € million
  • Grant : Feb 1, 2017 , €0.05 million
  • Venture Round: Jul 16, 2018, £30 million
  • Series B Funding: Dec 10, 2020, £18 million
  • Series C Funding: Oct 18, 2022, £40.4 million
  • Pre-Seed Funding: Dec 13, 2023, £3.3 million
  • Pre-Seed Funding: Apr 18, 2024, £16.7 million
  • Pre-Seed Funding: Jan 29, 2025, £23 million
Total Funding: $: US Dollar158 million
Key Milestones:
  • 2015 : Orbex was founded, initially under the name Moonspike Ltd., with a focus on providing commercial launch services for nano- and microsatellites.
  • 2018 : Secured £30 million in public and private funding for the development of the Prime launch vehicle
  • October 2022: Closed a £40.4 million Series C funding round to further advance launch vehicle development.
  • 2024 : Received $20.7 million in a Series D funding round, primarily allocated towards the development of the Prime launch vehicle. aused construction of Sutherland Spaceport to focus on launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland .
  • 2025: Planned inaugural launch of Orbex Prime from SaxaVord Spaceport
Key People:
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Products & Services:
  • Orbex Prime: A 19-meter, two-stage micro-launch vehicle powered by seven engines, designed to deliver payloads of up to 150 kg to a standard 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit. Orbex Prime utilizes a non-toxic bi-propellant consisting of liquid oxygen and propane, achieving a low-carbon footprint. The first stage is designed for reusability, incorporating a combination of parachutes and innovative 'petal' structures to facilitate recovery and reuse.Powered by seven 3D-printed engines using bio-propane, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fuels .Constructed with lightweight carbon fiber structures and tanks.Designed for reusability, aiming to minimize environmental impact .​
  • Proxima: A medium-lift launch vehicle currently under development, intended to expand Orbex's service offerings .​
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