Orbex advances as UK contender in ESA launcher competition
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Jul 08, 2025

Orbex, a UK-based provider of orbital launch services, has been pre-selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for participation in the European Launcher Challenge (ELC), marking a significant recognition of its capabilities and strategic role in Europe's space ambitions.

Launched by ESA in November 2023, the ELC initiative is designed to enhance sovereign European launch options and increase the global competitiveness of the continent's space sector. The programme offers both contractual and financial support for launch services supporting ESA and other institutional customers from 2026 through 2030.

Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex, stated: "Being pre-selected as part of the European Launcher Challenge is a milestone moment - not just for Orbex, but for the UK space sector as a whole.

"The benefits go far beyond our own operational roadmap. This recognition strengthens the UK's global competitiveness, helps create high-value jobs and attract investment, and takes us closer to delivering sovereign launch capabilities - reducing reliance on overseas providers and building real strategic autonomy in space.

"For Orbex, it's a major opportunity to accelerate launch vehicle development and play a central role in shaping Europe's future in space."

Orbex earned its place among the five selected companies by meeting ESA's stringent selection criteria, which evaluated the performance of its launch vehicle, the viability of its business plan, and the strength of its technical proposal.

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