European Spaceflight

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.

European Spaceflight covers the KID anomaly mission outcome. The capsule separated from the failing PSLV, survived reentry, and transmitted 190 seconds of data. Orbital Paradigm now moves ahead to a larger 150 kg demonstrator launching in early 2027.

At CM25 in November 2025, ESA member states committed €902.16M across five ELC companies: Isar Aerospace (€178.85M), RFA (€175.21M), MaiaSpace, PLD Space (Spain allocated €169M), and Orbex. Companies must achieve orbital launch by 2027. Framework contracts to be signed in 2026.