UK Rocket Startup Orbex Enters Administration After Acquisition Collapse

The Exploration Company's spokesperson hinted the UK government made the decision not to proceed, saying it "respects the UK decision-making process." The UK Space Agency's statement — "some companies will succeed, while others will fail" — was widely seen as indifferent to Orbex's fate.

Orbex filed for administration on February 11, 2026 after the TEC acquisition fell through — UK government reportedly declined to fund TEC's engine programme. ~240 jobs at risk. Skyrora expressed interest in the Sutherland Spaceport lease. ESA removed Orbex from ELC.