A rocket launch in Scotland will cement the United Kingdom as a major European space force, the British Government has said. A launch is planned later this year from the Shetland Isle of Unst.
Tech Secretary Peter Kyle said a £20million government investment to build and launch the rocket from Scotland’s shores will position the UK as a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s access to space. Prime is set to take off from late 2025 at Scottish spaceport SaxaVord, one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe.
So far, the Prime project has created more than 140 highly skilled jobs in Forres, Moray as part of the government’s Plan for Change. The new investment was announced on Wednesday January 29 at Brussels’ European Space Conference which will help to fund Orbex’s rocket Prime, the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket.
Mr 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.”
Designed to launch satellites into orbit, Prime will benefit from the UK’s latitude, with Scotland’s geographical positioning providing easy access to valuable polar orbits. The British-built Prime is also Europe-leading in its pioneering approach to sustainability.
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill added: “It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector and this £20 million 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.”
Britain is already a key player in the satellite industry, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other city in Europe. Dr Paul Bate CEO UK Space Agency said: “Space is a fast-growing global industry and there is a real opportunity for the UK to play a greater role now than ever before.
“This new government investment is not just about launching a rocket, but building a more prosperous future for all, powered by space technology. Orbex is a highly innovative company that can serve customers in the UK, Europe and beyond with its Prime launch vehicle, create hundreds of high skilled jobs in Scotland and 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.”
Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said: “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.
“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.”
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