A rocket launch from Scotland is set to secure the UK’s position as leader in Europe’s space sector
With the government recently investing £20 million into the UK launch company Orbex to build and launch a rocket from the shores of Scotland, the UK is taking big steps to become a key player in the global satellite launch industry.
Investing in Orbex’s Prime
The investment will fund Orbex’s Prime, a UK-manufactured orbital rocket set to lift off from the Scottish spaceport SaxaVord in late 2025.
Not only does this investment support the technology sector, it will also drive economic growth and create highly skilled jobs in the space sector, particularly in Scotland.
As demand for satellite services continues to rise across Europe, the UK’s ability to regularly launch rockets will play a central role in meeting that demand.
The economic benefits for the UK
With future predictions suggesting that the European satellite market could be worth up to $50 billion by 2033, being a part of a small share of this market could result in significant economic benefits for the UK, with potential revenues in the region of $1 billion.
The launch of Prime will not only contribute to the UK’s economic success and provide a crucial boost to the local community.
The project is expected to create over 140 highly skilled jobs in the Forres area of Scotland, with more anticipated as the company expands. This aligns with the government’s wider Plan for Change, which focuses on promoting economic growth and job creation in all areas across the UK.
The Prime rocket is set to benefit from Scotland’s unique geographical position, offering easier access to valuable polar orbits. The positioning of SaxaVord, one of only two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe, further improves the UK’s capability to serve the growing satellite market.
Greener space travel
What sets Prime apart is its commitment to sustainability. The rocket is powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to conventional rocket fuels.
This environmentally friendly approach makes Prime a leader in the push for greener space travel. The rocket’s design includes reusability features, allowing components to be recovered, refurbished, and reused for future missions, further reducing the environmental impact of space launches.
Benefits for the UK’s space sector
The Orbex project is already positively impacting the UK’s space sector, particularly in terms of satellite manufacturing. Glasgow, for example, is now the leading city in Europe for satellite production. By fostering innovation and collaboration within the UK’s space industry, the government’s investment is helping to ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of space technology.
This investment also provides an exciting opportunity for the next generation of British space professionals. With the growth of the UK space sector, new educational and career pathways are opening up, allowing young people to design, test, and launch rockets while contributing to the ongoing development of space technology.
The UK Space Agency’s recent commitment to boosting the country’s national space capabilities further cements the UK’s growing role in the global space race.
By strengthening international partnerships and supporting private-sector companies like Orbex, the UK is positioning itself as a key player in the future of space exploration.
As Orbex prepares for its first rocket launch in 2025, this £20 million investment marks the beginning of a new era for the UK space industry.
With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability, the Prime rocket is set to pave the way for the UK’s space sector and help it lead in the change of Europe’s space revolution.
