Orbex’s Prime will be built in and launch from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland – the first UK-made, UK-launched space rocket
The UK space programme has received a ‘Go’ for launch with the announcement today of £20m direct investment from government in UK launch services company Orbex to build and launch a rocket from the shores of Scotland.

Photo courtesy of Orbex
The 19-metre, two-stage Prime rocket, which has been designed to launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit, should launch for the first time from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland by the end of the year – and in doing so will make history as the first ever UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket.
Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, announced the investment at the European Space Conference in Brussels, saying that the new initiative positions Britain as a leading international partner and co-operator in Europe’s access to space, as well as a leading small satellite manufacturer and global space leader. In fact, Britain is already a key player in the satellite industry: Glasgow building more satellites than any other city in Europe.
The new investment ties into the government’s wider Plan for Change, to this government’s mission to grow the economy and attracting launch investment into the UK. European demand for satellites up to 2033 is forecasted to be worth some $50bn. A UK launch facility that could capture just 2% of this business would bring some $1bn in revenues into the UK economy.
The Prime project has already created 140 highly skilled jobs in the Scottish town of Forres, with more anticipated as the company grows. It is hoped that the launch of Prime will inspire a new generation of British space pioneers.
SaxaVord is one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe. The high latitude provides easy access to valuable polar orbits.
The Prime rocket will pioneer a new generation of ultragreen launch systems, powered by renewable bio-propane fuel which significantly cuts carbon emissions compared to rockets of similar size. Prime is also designed to be re-useable: on returning to Earth, what does not burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere will be recovered, with components refurbished and reused.
Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, says: ‘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 £20m 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.’
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, adds: ‘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.’
Kirsty McNeill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office), says: ‘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.’
Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, adds: ‘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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