The UK's space launch ambitions just went into administration — and Skyrora is circling the wreckage

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."