Related Coverage
Orbex is dead. Scotland's space dream now rests entirely on Skyrora.
Orig: Orbex collapse fails to halt progress for UK domestic launch capability
NASASpaceFlight provides broader context: RFA One (German/UK) advancing pad tests at SaxaVord in Scotland targeting maiden flight H2 2026, which would be first orbital launch from European soil (separate from Isar's Andøya attempt). ESA's European Launcher Challenge remains funded with remaining participants progressing. Orbex's IP and Sutherland site remain in play for creditors.
The UK's space launch ambitions just went into administration — and Skyrora is circling the wreckage
Orig: Orbex's Troubles Open Opportunities for Skyrora
Payload's analysis frames Orbex's collapse as a systemic failure: UK pledged €144M to the European Launcher Challenge but kept €112.3M in reserve, committing only €21.7M to Orbex. Series D failed after M&A talks with The Exploration Company were blocked by the UK government on ownership grounds. Skyrora, with the only UK domestic launch license, expressed £10M interest in Sutherland Spaceport and select IP. 150+ jobs lost in Scotland. Phil Chambers (Orbex CEO): "Disappointing doesn't come close."