Space / Spaceport boost as rocket firm lands £20m government investment
THERE is more positive news for the SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst after it was an announced that a rocket company has landed a £20 million investment from the UK Government.
Orbex, which is based in Forres, will use the funding for its Prime rocket – which is planned to take off from SaxaVord in Unst in late 2025 to fly satellites into space.
The government said this orbital launch will “catalyse the UK’s position as a leading small satellite manufacturer and global space leader, and support 140 highly paid jobs in the region as part of the government’s plan for change”.
It comes hot off the heels of news earlier this month that another rocket company – Germany’s RFA – had secured the UK’s first spaceflight licence from the Civil Aviation Authority, for launches from SaxaVord.
It was also recently announced that Orbex was shifting its operations from the proposed spaceport in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands to SaxaVord.
The government said that the Prime project has so far created more than 140 jobs in Forres, with many more anticipated as the company continues to grow.
Technology secretary Peter Kyle said: “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, as part of our Plan for Change.
“Supporting Orbex’s launch will also turbocharge the country’s position in the space sector and inspire our next generation of space professionals, who will be able to design, test, build and launch British rockets, carrying British satellites, from British soil.”
The British-built Prime is also said to be “Europe-leading in its pioneering approach to sustainability”.
It is poised to become the first in a new generation of “ultra green” launch systems, powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, which cuts carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly sized rockets being developed elsewhere around the world.
The rocket is also designed to be re-useable.
Scotland office minister Kirsty McNeill said: “It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector and this £20m investment from the UK Government in Orbex will help Scotland maintain our position as a leader as we look forward to the first satellite launch later this year.
“This important industry is playing a vital role in our Plan for Change, helping economic growth and employing thousands of people in good quality jobs, often in small towns and rural communities, across the country.”
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said the Orbex launch could “inspire a new generation to reach for the stars”.
“We will work closely with them as we countdown to launch, continue to develop our national space capabilities, and strengthen our international partnerships.”
Orbex CEO Phillip Chambers added that “this first of a kind investment by the UK government demonstrates its confidence in the UK’s space rocket manufacturing and launch sector and is an exciting start to the opening of our Series D fundraising”.
“We are entering the final preparations to deliver the most flexible and environmentally sustainable launch services to the global satellite industry,” he added.
“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.”
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
