Tag: United Kingdom
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Infinite Orbits Acquires UK-Based Lúnasa Space to Expand In-Orbit Servicing Capabilities
French space services company Infinite Orbits has acquired UK-based Lúnasa Space, marking the company’s expansion into the United Kingdom and adding capabilities in rendezvous, proximity operations and docking technologies. The acquisition is intended to support the development of Infinite Orbits’ satellite life-extension servicer known as Endurance, which is designed to extend the operational life of…
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Skyrora Eyes Orbex Assets Including Scottish Spaceport After Rival’s Financial Troubles
British rocket developer Skyrora said on Thursday it is considering acquiring selected assets from rival Orbex, including a planned spaceport in northern Scotland, after the smaller launch company disclosed financial difficulties. Skyrora, headquartered in Glasgow, said it intends to explore purchasing parts of Orbex’s business, notably the Sutherland Spaceport project on Scotland’s north coast, in…
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Hypersonica Raises €23.3 Million and Tests Hypersonic Missile Prototype
Munich-based defence startup Hypersonica has emerged from stealth mode with a €23.3 million Series A funding round and confirmation that it successfully test-launched a hypersonic missile prototype earlier this month. Founded in December 2023, the company says it is developing Europe’s first privately funded hypersonic strike capability, with operations across Germany and the United Kingdom.…
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UK Space Agency Awards Contracts to Advance In-Orbit Manufacturing
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has awarded contracts worth more than $1.1 million to three British companies to develop technologies for manufacturing products in microgravity, the agency said. The funding aims to accelerate research into producing advanced materials and medicines in space, where conditions such as microgravity and vacuum can yield higher-quality results than on…
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NRO Awards First Contracts to Commercial Space Firms Under New Procurement Program
The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has awarded its first three contracts under a new procurement program aimed at expanding access to commercial satellite intelligence capabilities, Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Christopher Povak said on Thursday. Speaking at the National Security Space Association’s Defense and Intelligence Space Conference, Povak said the contracts were issued through the…
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UK Space Agency Chief Paul Bate to Step Down at End of March
UK Space Agency chief executive Paul Bate will step down from his role at the end of March, ending a four-and-a-half-year tenure during which the agency secured record funding commitments and expanded its astronaut and science programmes. The agency said in a post on LinkedIn that under Bate’s leadership it had “secured record investment at…
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Orbex’s Danish Unit to File for Bankruptcy as Operations Wind Down
Orbex’s Danish subsidiary, Orbital Express Launch ApS, is set to file for bankruptcy after closing its facilities on Jan. 20, resulting in the loss of around 90 jobs, according to people familiar with the matter. UK-based small-launch developer Orbex established the Danish business in October 2016. Based in Copenhagen, Orbital Express Launch ApS supported group-wide…
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UK Rocket Builder Orbex in Talks to Sell Business to The Exploration Company
UK-based rocket manufacturer Orbex said it has signed a letter of intent to sell its business to European space logistics startup The Exploration Company, marking a potential consolidation move within Europe’s emerging launch sector. Orbex confirmed on Jan. 21 that negotiations have begun but said all details of the proposed transaction remain confidential. The company…
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OQ Technology, Eseye Partner to Deliver Global 5G IoT Connectivity via Satellite and Cellular Networks
OQ Technology said it has formed a partnership with U.K.-based Eseye to provide seamless, global 5G Internet of Things connectivity by integrating satellite and terrestrial networks through a single SIM solution. Announced on Jan. 20, the collaboration combines OQ Technology’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation with Eseye’s AnyNet Connectivity Hub, creating what the companies describe as…
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Acme Space to Test Balloon-Rocket Hybrid Vehicle in 2026 Ahead of Orbital Manufacturing Plans
London-based Acme Space said it plans to begin flight testing its balloon-rocket hybrid launch vehicle in the new year, as it prepares for commercial in-orbit manufacturing missions targeted for 2027. The company said it is already working with two unnamed pharmaceutical firms to develop protein crystal growth payloads for its first operational flights. The vehicle,…