Orbex moves launch operations to Shetland

SaxaVord Spaceport today welcomes Orbex to its growing stable of clients after the spaceflight company decided to switch its launch operations to Shetland from Sutherland.

The company has decided to pause construction of its own spaceport in Sutherland and will instead launch its first rockets from SaxaVord. The decision enables the company to direct more funding to the development of a new, medium-sized launch vehicle called Proxima. 

Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said: “Orbex is first and foremost a launch services specialist. Our primary goal is to support the European space industry by achieving a sustainable series of satellite launches into low Earth orbit. This is best achieved by focusing our resources and talents on developing launch vehicles and associated launch services. This decision will help us to reach first launch in 2025 and provides SaxaVord with another customer to further strengthen its commercial proposition. It’s a win-win for UK and Scottish space.” 

Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Orbex to SaxaVord. Given the scale of their ambition and the evolution of their offer to include a medium-sized launch vehicle, it makes sense for Orbex to start operations from SaxaVord Spaceport, which is already licenced and in a position to support their upcoming launches.

“The UK’s space industry is developing very quickly and requires the associated economies of scale and synergies to maintain its competitiveness for launch services from Europe.” 

Orbex is planning to increase the size of its manufacturing capability in Forres to ensure it can meet demand for its smaller vehicle, known as Prime. It will now also use the site to develop a new medium launch vehicle, which will enable Orbex to send more and larger satellites into orbit. It also better positions the business to participate in the European Launcher Challenge, an ESA-run competition to assist with the development of European launch capabilities and to service institutional and commercial contracts. 

Phil Chambers added: “Medium-sized space rockets will play an important role in the European space industry in years to come. It is part of our strategic plan to offer the market a medium-sized launcher that will compete in Europe for larger payloads. Pausing the construction of our own spaceport enables us to now focus on developing this offering.” 

Orbex will be consulting with the three staff employed on the project to identify options for relocation or new roles. 

Phil Chambers said: “While we appreciate this news means pausing the construction plans at Sutherland, we are still committed to the North of Scotland at our facilities in Forres and we look forward to building our presence at SaxaVord in Shetland as well. The decision to pause construction was not taken lightly. We are incredibly grateful to the Sutherland community for being so supportive of our initial plans to build our first spaceport there.”