Chambers recounted the company’s journey from a pub brainstorm to a vertically integrated launch provider with a growing international footprint.

From Pub Dream to Launch Pad

Orbex’s story began in a British pub in 2015, where five friends debated the challenges of space access. Their initial moonshot idea evolved into a more grounded mission: making satellite launches accessible for Europe’s flourishing space sector. With satellite production booming across the continent, the lack of affordable, reliable launch options had become a bottleneck for innovation.

Building a Greener Rocket

The company’s flagship microlauncher stands out for its sustainability focus. Orbex has engineered a rocket that uses biopropane, a byproduct of biodiesel, aiming to slash lifecycle carbon emissions and avoid the high-atmosphere soot associated with traditional fuels. The structure leverages linerless carbon fiber coaxial tanks and additive manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on reusability—a rare feat at this scale.

Eyes on the Future

Looking ahead, Orbex is preparing for commercial operations and scaling up manufacturing. The company is also developing a medium-class launcher, Proxima, designed for a range of mission profiles. As Europe ramps up investment in launch infrastructure, Orbex aims to be at the forefront—offering greener, more flexible access to space for a new generation of satellite ventures.

For a closer look at what sets Orbex apart, watch Phil Chambers’ full talk—where he gets into some interesting technical details, like the 'petal fold' recovery system.