The startup develops orbital launch vehicles specifically designed for small, micro, and nano-satellites, utilizing in-house technologies such as rocket engines, avionics, and guidance systems. This enables businesses to reliably deploy their satellites into low Earth orbit within tight timelines.
Funding
$69.5M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The small satellite industry requires reliable and dedicated launch services to deploy satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) within specific timeframes, but often faces challenges with inflexible mission profiles and reliance on rideshare programs with larger rockets. This can lead to delays, sub-optimal orbits, and a lack of control over the launch schedule.
Solution
Orbex provides dedicated orbital launch services for small, micro, and nano-satellites, offering customers greater control over their mission requirements. The company's primary launch vehicle, Orbex Prime, is a two-stage micro-launcher designed for flexible and responsive deployment of payloads up to 180kg into various orbits, including SSO, high inclination LEO, and polar orbits. Orbex Prime utilizes advanced in-house technologies, including 3D-printed rocket engines and carbon fiber structures, to achieve higher reliability and performance. Furthermore, Orbex is committed to environmental sustainability, employing bio-propane fuel that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional hydrocarbon fuels, and designing the first stage for reusability.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes small satellite operators, space agencies, and research institutions seeking dedicated and environmentally conscious launch services for deploying small payloads into LEO.
Features
- Two-stage micro-launch vehicle designed for small satellites
- Payload capacity of up to 180 kg
- Capability to deliver satellites into SSO, high inclination LEO, and polar orbits
- Utilizes bio-propane fuel, reducing carbon emissions by up to 96% compared to conventional rocket fuels
- First stage designed for reusability, enabling retrieval and refurbishment of key components
- Employs lightweight, high-performance 3D-printed rocket engines manufactured in a single piece
- Constructed with carbon fiber and graphene composites for main structures and tanks, maximizing strength and minimizing mass
- Features a redundant ignition system with no moving parts or electrics for on-orbit re-start and circularization
- Incorporates independent low-temperature turbo-pumps driving each stage 1 engine
- Integrates flight-proven guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms