Orbex achieves significant progress in Prime rocket launch simulation
Orbex's Prime Rocket Simulation Success and Future Plans
The space industry has witnessed a significant development as Orbex, a UK-based company, has completed its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch. This milestone marks a significant step towards operational launch services, as confirmed by Orbex CEO, Phil Chambers.
The simulation tested mission-critical systems, including flight software, engine control, and tracking. The results demonstrated successful control of Prime's patented coaxial tank system, a central feature of the rocket's design that makes it around 30% lighter than similarly sized launchers.
Orbex's avionics and software systems are developed entirely in-house, reflecting the strength and depth of the team. The successful simulation is a demonstration of Orbex's progress towards operational launch services, with further simulations to refine the process and prepare for the first test launch.
The main partner in the development and testing of the Prime rocket is the UK Space Agency. Orbex will undertake these simulations to help the launch team prepare for various scenarios, troubleshoot potential issues, and ensure readiness for Orbex Prime's inaugural launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in 2026.
Meanwhile, Boeing has made strides in 3D printing technology. They have developed a 3D printed solar array substrate that reduces composite build times by up to six months. This new substrate delivers a 50% improvement in production speed compared to current cycle times.
Boeing has also launched its new Engineering Center within the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology at Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park. This move is expected to further boost the university's aerospace research capabilities.
In other news, Greater Manchester has been positioned as a UK hotspot for 3D printing adoption. This development is expected to drive innovation and growth in the region's manufacturing sector.
Elsewhere, NASA has begun assembling the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis III lunar mission at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle has also launched on its eighth mission, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center.
Woodward Inc has announced plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. This move is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the area.
As the space industry continues to evolve, these developments underscore the commitment of companies like Orbex, Boeing, and NASA to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration and aerospace technology.
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