Failed Scottish aerospace business Orbital Express Launch (Orbex) owed more than £73 million when it entered UK bankruptcy administration.

The would-be rocket builder had received more than £130 million of grant and equity funding. It focused on sustainable, eco-friendly rocket launches using bio-LPG, establishing a rocket factory in Forres, Scotland. Orbex ceased operations and entered administration in February 2026.

Around 150 staff lost their jobs. The company aimed to be a major European small satellite launcher but failed to launch its Prime microlauncher by its targeted dates.

It also took on responsibility for the Sutherland Space Hub which also impacted operational losses.

Cumulative losses, say the FRP administrators, were almost £73.3 million.

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Tags: orbex, scotland