Orbex unveils first full-scale prototype of Prime space rocket
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FORRES-based rocket company Orbex has unveiled the first full-scale prototype of the Prime orbital space rocket on its dedicated launch pad.
The unveiling of the first of a new generation of European launch vehicles – designed to send a new category of very small satellites to orbit – represents a major step forward for the company as it prepares for the first ever vertical rocket launch to orbit from UK soil.
Orbex is now set to enter a period of integrated testing, allowing dress rehearsals of rocket launches and the development and optimisation of launch procedures. The company recently revealed the first test launch platform at a new test facility in Kinloss.
Prime is a 19-metre long, two-stage rocket that is powered by seven engines. The six rocket engines on the first stage of the rocket will propel the vehicle through the atmosphere to an altitude of around 80km.
The single engine on the second stage of the rocket will complete the journey to low earth orbit, allowing the release of its payload of small, commercial satellites into Earth's orbit.
Uniquely, Orbex Prime is powered by a renewable bio-fuel, bio-propane, supplied by Calor UK. This fuel allows the rocket to reduce carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly-sized rockets.
Prime is also a re-usable rocket which has been engineered to leave zero debris on Earth and in orbit.
Josef Aschbacher, Director General at the European Space Agency said: “I am deeply impressed with the speed at which the Orbex Prime rocket was developed.
"It is the first full orbital micro-launcher in Europe. But I am equally impressed by the low-carbon footprint technology applied.
"My sincere congratulations to the whole Orbex team for this impressive achievement.”
Orbex Prime will launch from Space Hub Sutherland, a new spaceport being constructed on the North Coast of Scotland.
Space Hub Sutherland was the first vertical spaceport to receive planning permission in the UK.
UK Science Minister George Freeman said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the UK space and satellite sector as we count down to the first satellite launches from UK spaceports.
"Orbex Prime is a remarkable feat of engineering, pioneering more sustainable and innovative fuels that cut carbon emissions.
"It is also fantastic to see Moray-based Orbex creating more high-quality jobs, demonstrating the value of our thriving space sector to support emerging clusters of innovation to help level up the whole of the UK.”
Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex added: “This is a major milestone for Orbex and highlights just how far along our development path we now are.
"From the outside it might look like an ordinary rocket, but on the inside, Prime is unlike any thing else.
"To deliver the performance and environmental sustainability we wanted from a 21st century rocket we had to innovate in a wide number of areas – low-carbon fuels, fully 3D-printed rocket engines, very lightweight fuel tanks, and a novel, low-mass reusability technology.”
Richard Lochhead, Moray's SNP MSP, added: "This is hugely exciting for Moray and it’s a big step forward for the company, who have a come a long way over the last few years, as well as being the start of a new chapter for the Forres economy.
“It was spectacular to be there and it was definitely one of those moments that make the hairs on the back of your next stand up.
"I’m really delighted for the team who have worked so hard to reach this milestone and also for HIE who have played a supportive role.
“As well as bringing high value jobs to Moray, Orbex is also inspiring people to study science and engineering – it is incredible that there are opportunities for young people in Moray to go onto become the next generation of rocket scientists right here in Forres.”
