Forres rocket firm Orbex expands facilities

A FORRES space flight company has moved to expand its facilities ahead of the launch of its Prime Rocket.

Orbex is adding an extra 1,500 square metres of factory and office space to its existing 4,750 square metre estate in Forres and Copenhagen.

The additional space will help increase the company's production and manufacturing capacity.

The additional capacity in Forres is just 3km from the company's test site in Kinloss which it is hoped will allow for a quicker turnaround between the two sites.

Martin Coates, Orbex CEO, said: "Many people are eager to see the first successful launch of a satellite from British soil, as are we.

"But our focus has to be bigger than that, as we aim to build a robust and sustainable launch capability in the UK.

"Expanding our footprint is just one more step forward in that process. We are able to press ahead with our expansion, thanks to the incredible team we have in place and the confidence placed in us by our investors and customers.”

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: "Companies like Orbex are vital to achieving our vision to make Scotland one of the world’s most innovative small nations.

"The firm’s Prime rocket, which I have been lucky enough to see up close, not only revolutionises launch technology but puts us at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon economy.

“This latest expansion is testament to the hard work and determination of Orbex which is continuing to make excellent progress towards a launch from Sutherland, bringing high value jobs and increased opportunities in engineering and science to Scotland.”

Prime is a 19-metre long rocket designed to launch small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Orbex has already announced several commercial launch contracts with satellite manufacturers.

The rocket will launch from Orbex’s ‘home’ spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport (formerly Space Hub Sutherland) on the north coast of Scotland.