Orbex is constructing a completely re-thought and re-designed orbital launch vehicle, called Prime, to deliver small satellites into Earth’s orbit. The Prime launcher has a novel architecture that eliminates the fundamental mass challenge of small launchers. Prime launchers are up to 30% lighter and 20% more efficient than any other vehicle in the small launcher category, packing more power per cubic litre than many heavy launchers. The Prime vehicle will launch satellites to altitudes up to 1250km, inserting them into sun-synchronous or polar orbits.
As part of the strategic partnership between Elecnor-Deimos and ORBEX Elecnor-Deimos contributes with its expertise to the development of the ORBEX launcher in areas including:
- Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) including algorithms, software, test benches and validation and verification processes.
- Mission Analysis, Mission Engineering and System Engineering, including flight dynamics, safety range and launcher performance.
- Ground Segment Systems, including Command and Control Center, Ground Support Equipment, ranging systems and ground stations.
This project is closely related to AZUL project, as Elecnor-Deimos will use ORBEX launchers for small satellite launch from Azores in Malbusca, Santa Maria.
