Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex, is steering the UK-based aerospace startup into new territory as the nation embarks on an ambitious journey to establish its own space capabilities. Chambers, who previously revolutionized the software industry with ventures like Gumtree, Qype, and Peakon, is now focused on a groundbreaking mission: to create the UK’s first vertical launch space rocket.

Chambers’ transition from software to space underscores a transformative phase for the UK’s aerospace sector. “The opportunity to build a British-majority-owned rocket launching from British soil to deliver British satellites is incredibly exciting,” Chambers says. His vision is to position the UK as a leader in the European space industry, a goal hindered in the past by the country’s decision not to join the European Space Agency’s Ariane program in the 1980s.

Orbex, founded by Chambers, is working towards launching its Prime rocket in summer 2025, with plans to enter the European Launcher Challenge by the European Space Agency. The company is also engaged with the UK Space Agency and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology to garner essential government support for its initiatives.

Despite relatively lower government investment compared to France, Germany, and Spain, which have allocated substantial funds to small launch vehicle programs, Chambers remains hopeful. He anticipates that the Labour party’s new industrial policy document may address this disparity, potentially increasing the UK’s investment in space technology.

In addition to aiming for technological advancements, Orbex is committed to sustainability. The company is developing a nearly zero-carbon rocket using biopropane, which reduces CO2 emissions by 96% and eliminates black carbon. The innovative approach includes a fully carbon fiber rocket and pioneering 3D-printed engines. Chambers acknowledges the risks inherent in aerospace development, citing recent incidents such as the Rocket Factory Augsburg engine explosion, but remains optimistic about the industry’s future.

Orbex’s plans extend beyond the Prime rocket, with ambitions to develop a larger vehicle capable of reaching low Earth orbit, geostationary orbits, the Moon, Mars, and potentially interplanetary destinations. The company’s growth also promises significant job creation, with expectations of nearly 1,000 high-tech manufacturing positions in the UK.

Chambers’ advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: start as soon as possible. With over two decades of experience scaling businesses, he emphasizes the importance of combining the founding team’s creativity with new talent and avoiding common pitfalls such as overextending resources before perfecting the market fit.

As Orbex prepares for its inaugural rocket launch and future developments, Chambers’ leadership marks a new chapter in the UK’s space ambitions, highlighting the potential for the country to become a significant player in the global aerospace industry.