New funding for Orbex’s Prime Accelerates Microlauncher Deployment into Orbit
UK-based small launch developer Orbex has received another round of funding from Scotland’s national bank and other investors as it prepares for its inaugural orbital launch. Founded in 2015, Orbex is among the companies vying to develop the next generation of European launch vehicles, filling the void left by the retirement of the Ariane 5 and delays to the Ariane 6 and Vega C rockets. The company’s Prime microlauncher, a two-stage vehicle standing at 19 meters tall, is designed to carry payloads up to 180 kilograms, positioning Orbex in a favorable market with growing demand for satellite launches into low Earth orbit (LEO).