Orbex lands D-Orbit deal prior to first mission this year

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 04 February 2025 10:37

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 04, 2025

UK-based launch services provider Orbex has finalized a new commercial agreement with D-Orbit, a leading name in space transportation and logistics. This move highlights Orbex's advancing role in the industry as it prepares for its first commercial launch later this year. Under the arrangement, D-Orbit will secure two launch opportunities on Orbex Prime, the company's eco-conscious micro-l

Orbex lands D-Orbit deal prior to first mission this year
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 04, 2025

UK-based launch services provider Orbex has finalized a new commercial agreement with D-Orbit, a leading name in space transportation and logistics. This move highlights Orbex's advancing role in the industry as it prepares for its first commercial launch later this year.

Under the arrangement, D-Orbit will secure two launch opportunities on Orbex Prime, the company's eco-conscious micro-launcher, during the next three years. This access positions D-Orbit to broaden its in-orbit services while supporting wider commercial needs in the rapidly growing satellite market.

D-Orbit specializes in a range of orbital logistics activities, from carrying satellites to specific orbital positions to testing hosted payloads in space. It further supports satellite operators by offering onboard data storage and advanced computing capacity while in orbit.

Jonathan Firth, Chief Corporate Development Officer at D-Orbit, said: "We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with Orbex, further strengthening our commitment to the thriving UK space ecosystem. We continuously explore new ways to enhance our offering and deliver in-orbit services to our customers. Orbex Prime's missions will provide valuable insights into the UK's orbital launch capabilities and expand our portfolio of orbital launch solutions. It is an exciting time to be part of the UK space industry, and we look forward to contributing to its continued growth and innovation."

Orbex is in the final stages of developing Orbex Prime, an advanced, low-carbon, high-performance micro-launcher. SaxaVord Spaceport will host the initial launches, offering Orbex its own dedicated pad and annual capacity for up to 10 flights.

Phil Chambers, CEO at Orbex, said: "Our primary goal is to support the European space industry by offering flexible and sustainable satellite launch options direct from the UK. This customer agreement with D-Orbit is a testament to the technological progress we are making and proves the confidence that commercial space operators have in our plans. We look forward to working together."