Leading Scottish rocket company enters administration with '150 jobs lost'
Orbex, based in Forres , Moray, has now ceased trading
A leading Scottish space rocket company which has attracted more than £70m in public funding has gone into administration with around 150 staff made redundant.
Orbex, based in Forres, Moray, had been at the forefront of Scotland ‘space race’ and a key company in the country’s growing sector of space technology.
Administrators have now been appointed at the firm after an eleventh- hour attempt last week to secure fundraising and merger and acquisition opportunities failed.
The firm employed 163 people, with it understood that 150 people have now lost their jobs. Most staff were based at the Forres site.
The firm had been involved in setting up the Sutherland Spaceport for rocket launches, but walked away from the project last year amid huge disappointment given its potential for the local economy.
It switched focus to the development and launch of its microlauncher Prime , which had been due later this year.
The joint administrators said they will now explore all options for the business, including a potential sale of its assets or technology.
FRP said it is already in active discussions with more than 20 interested parties, which include other rocket developers.
READ MORE: Highland community ‘very deflated’ as Orbex confirms no rocket launches at Sutherland until 2028
Chad 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.”
FRP said Orbex ceased trading shortly before administrators were appointed.
Administrators 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.
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.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is among the backers of Orbex, having awarded it £3.7 million since 2020. It also has a 50 year-long lease with the firm for the Sutherland Spaceport.
Earlier, the economic development agency said it was working with its partners and the administrators to secure the “best possible outcome.” As a creditor, it will also be seeking to recover funds through the administration process.
Skyrora, based in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, is one of the companies now eyeing Orbex assets , including the Sutherland Spaceport.
Last week, the firm said it could potentially invest up to £10m, subject to discussions with the appointed administrators and completion of the necessary due diligence and legal processes.
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