Photo: Orbex

Orbex will have even closer ties in Europe, thanks to signing a new framework contract for the Flight Ticket Initiative, a program organized by the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA). Interestingly, Orbex is the only UK supplier, and only launch services provider with its own spaceport, to be selected for the Flight Ticket Initiative. Orbex announced the contract award, June 5.

This initiative provides co-funding of launch opportunities to European companies and organizations to fly their services and test new satellite technologies in orbit. The contract will allow Orbex to compete for specific work orders up to a ceiling of 5 million euros ($5.44 million) for identified launch service needs. The Flight Ticket Initiative will supply payloads for Orbex’s Prime rocket when undergoing test phases, demonstrating the UK start-up as a trusted supplier in the orbital services sector. The initiative will help Orbex achieve its goal of making the UK a central hub for European space flight.

“Achieving selection for the ESA Flight Ticket Initiative is a significant milestone for Orbex as we continue our journey to achieving sustainable space launch. Our distinction as the sole UK-based company chosen for this initiative underpins our leadership in pioneering low carbon spaceflight operations propelling the UK to the forefront of the global space industry,” Phil Chambers, CEO, Orbex, said in a statement.