July, 2025

UK's Orbex and Germany's Exolaunch Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement In Launch Services

The Agreement with Exolaunch will provide end-to-end launch services for small satellites on both Orbex Prime and Proxima

Image: © Orbex

Orbex, the UK-based orbital launch services company, has today announced a strategic five-year partnership with Exolaunch, a global leader in launch services, mission management, deployment systems and integration services for small satellites

The agreement will see Orbex and Exolaunch collaborate to provide end-to-end launch services for small satellites. Exolaunch will utilise launch capacity and integrate customer payloads with Orbex's launch vehicles, Prime and the new medium-sized launcher, Proxima, while Orbex will benefit from Exolaunch's deployment systems, rideshare structures and global market outreach.

In addition, Orbex will work with Exolaunch on future Orbex Prime and Proxima missions to address the growing demand for micro and cube satellite launch services.

Image: © Exolaunch

Exolaunch will provide its flight-proven separation systems for cubesats and microsatellites, with its hardware positioned as the deployment solution for Orbex customers across dedicated and rideshare missions.

The partnership also includes the use of Exolaunch's EXOtube, a modular and scalable launch platform designed to optimize satellite constellations' launch configurations, increase mission flexibility, and enhance vehicle utilization. The teams will further collaborate on launch campaign planning, satellite integration, and on-site execution support.

Image: © Exolaunch

Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said: “This is a truly exciting partnership that marks a significant milestone as we secure industry backing to accelerate the development of our new Proxima launch vehicle. It's a clear signal of the growing demand for flexible and reliable launch services across Europe.

“With Exolaunch's expertise in mission management and deployment, and our sustainable and flexible launch capabilities, we're well-positioned to support the evolving needs of satellite operators. Together, we're helping make access to space more efficient and scalable.”

Image: © Exolaunch

“Orbex brings a compelling mix of innovation and agility to Europe's growing launch ecosystem, with both Prime and the upcoming Proxima launch vehicles”, said Dr. Robert Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch. “We are proud of this partnership and expect it to expand fast and reliable launch access in the UK and beyond.”

“Orbex's launchers are a strong addition to our roster of launch options and this collaboration strengthens our ability to serve customers looking for dedicated, responsive and sustainable access to orbit. It's an exciting step forward as more operators become available to support our European and global satellite customers.”

About Orbex

Orbex is a UK-based spaceflight company with headquarters, design, production and testing facilities in Scotland, and design, production and testing facilities in Denmark. Orbex staff members have professional backgrounds with NASA, ESA and several commercial spaceflight organisations. The company is funded by the UK Government, Scottish National Investment bank, two of the UK's largest venture capital funds, BGF and Octopus Ventures, two of Europe's largest venture capital funds, Heartcore Capital and the High-Tech Gründerfonds, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), as well as strategic investors Elecnor and Amentum (formally Jacobs), the largest services supplier to NASA. The company has won more than a dozen R&D contracts from a wide variety of bodies, including the UK Space Agency (UKSA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission Horizon 2020 programme.

Initial launches will take place from SaxaVord Spaceport, where Orbex has a dedicated launch pad and the ability to launch 10 flights per year.

For more information, please visit www.orbex.space

About Exolaunch

Exolaunch is a global leader in launch mission management, satellite integration and satellite deployment technologies. With a decade of flight heritage and 576 satellites launched across 38 missions to date, Exolaunch leverages industry insight to tailor turnkey solutions that meet customer needs and respond to market trends. Exolaunch fulfills launch contracts for industry leaders, the world's most innovative startups, research institutions, government organizations, and international space agencies. The company develops and manufactures its own flight-proven and industry-leading satellite separation systems and payload launch stacks, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market.

Exolaunch, headquartered in Germany, operates globally with offices in the US, France, and Japan. Exolaunch promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is committed to making space accessible for all.

For more information, please visit www.exolaunch.com

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/exolaunch

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