Portuguese space firm Omnidea has acquired the intellectual property, brand, and UK manufacturing assets of the collapsed rocket builder Orbex. The deal, which finalized on September 30, includes two of the three facilities previously operated by Orbex in Forres, Scotland, alongside equipment and material stocks.
Omnidea plans to develop a new small launch vehicle, PrimeNEO, based on the original Prime rocket design. The company aims to simplify the architecture and improve manufacturing processes. While no launch date is set, the firm is evaluating potential launch sites in Scotland and the Azores.
The company has allocated over €10 million to integrate these assets and establish its operations in Forres. The new UK team will initially consist of former Orbex employees, with plans for further recruitment as the project progresses.
Omnidea is currently in discussions with space agencies regarding the potential transfer of funding previously allocated to Orbex for the European Launcher Challenge. The firm has confirmed it will not continue development of the Proxima medium-lift vehicle.
