British space rocket company enters administration with more than 100 jobs lost

The firm had planned to carry out the first test launches of its microlauncher later this year

Scottish space rocket company Orbex has entered administration, resulting in the redundancy of most of its 163 employees.

FRP Advisory confirmed Chad Griffin, Geoff Rowley, and Graham Smith have been appointed joint administrators for the Forres, Moray-based firm.

This follows Orbex's recent notice of intention to appoint administrators after all fundraising, merger, and acquisition opportunities ended unsuccessfully.

The company had been on the cusp of its first test launches for its 'Prime' microlauncher later this year.

The administrators are now exploring all options, including a potential sale of assets or technology. FRP Advisory is already in active discussions with over 20 interested parties, including other rocket developers.

Mr Griffin, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: “Orbex was at the forefront of the UK’s ambitions to create a sovereign space launch capability, and has made significant technological progress in recent years.

“Our focus now is on supporting employees, and engaging with potential interested parties to preserve value in the business assets and seek to retain space launch operations in Forres given the investments already made.

“We are already in contact with more than 20 potential suitors and encourage any further approaches from prospective buyers or investors to come forward.”

Orbex said it had been on the cusp of the first test launches of its microlauncher Prime later this year. (PA Media)

FRP said Orbex ceased trading shortly before administrators were appointed.

Orbex, an orbital launch services company and space rocket manufacturer, employed around 163 people in the UK, most of whom were based in Forres.

It is understood that the majority of staff have been made redundant, with a handful retained to manage the next phase.

FRP said that the joint administrators will be engaging with all employees to provide information and support.

The administrators said that Orbex had secured £138.5 million in funding to date, comprising £33.3 million in grants and £105.1 million in equity.

The administrators are now exploring all options, including a potential sale of assets or technology (PA Media)

FRP said that public investment totalled £76.7 million, including £26 million from the UK Government in 2025 and £29 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank.

Rocket company Skyrora previously said it is exploring purchasing select assets of a space company which is appointing administrators, including its Sutherland Spaceport scheme.

Skyrora said it is exploring an asset acquisition which would see the investment of up to £10 million.