Orbex assets bought by Omnidea
October 5, 2026

By Chris Forrester



Omnidea has acquired most of the key assets and intellectual property from British would-be rocket launch company Orbex, gaining access to technology and manufacturing capabilities. Omnidea plans to develop an evolution of Orbex’s small launch vehicle called PrimeNEO.

Omnidea is a Portuguese aerospace and space technology company founded in 2003 that specializes in rocket propulsion systems, fluid control components, and advanced manufacturing. It emerged from the incubator at ESA/ESTEC. As the provision of services is its principal activity, the European Space Agency stands out as its main client, in a list that also includes Magna Aerospace AG, SSC and Airbus Defence & Space.


The acquisition, which completed on September 30, follows Orbex’s closure earlier this year and the end of its launcher development efforts. Omnide is considering using Sutherland/Forres in Scotland and a launch site in the Azores (part of Portugal) for its launch activity.

The development of the PrimeNEO rocket is a key ambition. While the company said it was too early to provide a launch date for the rocket’s inaugural flight, it added that it’s attentive to market developments. “Our goal is to have an available launcher in time to still be relevant in this ever-expanding market.”

The purchase includes two of the three buildings Orbex previously operated at the Sutherland Spaceport in Forres, Scotland, along with manufacturing equipment, tools, material stocks, processes and intellectual property. Omnidea also acquired data from both Orbex’s UK and Danish operations, as well as the Orbex brand and associated assets.