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    Ashurst advises UK Government on investment in orbital launch capability

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    Global law firm Ashurst has advised the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on its £20 million investment in spaceflight company Orbex as part of its Series D fundraising.

    The investment will help to fund the construction and launch of Orbex’s rocket Prime, the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket. Prime, a 19-metre long, two-stage rocket designed to transport small satellites into Low Earth Orbit, is set to take off from late 2025 at Scottish spaceport SaxaVord in Shetland, one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe.

    The investment contributes to the UK government's mission to boost the UK's ability to regularly launch rockets into orbit from its shores, supporting growth in its expanding space industry and attracting investment from across the globe.

    The Ashurst team was led by partner Jacob Gold and senior associate Scott Vanderwolf, supported by associate Vienna Linley and counsel John Papadakis. Senior associates Aaron Cole, Matthew Hewitson and Emily McCracken advised on IP matters, and partner Ruth Buchanan provided employment advice alongside associate Emily Bodger.