SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
Orbex logo Orbex Developed the Prime micro-launch vehicle for dedicated small satellite missions to LEO, using bio-propane fuel and 3D-printed engines vs Rocket Lab USA Rocket Lab USA logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD1 shared sector
Orbex Rocket Lab USA
Founded 2015 2006
Headquarters Forres, United Kingdom Long Beach, California
Type private public
Status closed operating
Employees 178 1,627
Total funding $163.1M
Latest round Series D
Sectors Launch Services, Spaceports & Range Services Launch Services, Satellite Components & Subsystems, Satellite Manufacturing
Products listed 3 16
Federal contracts 1 ($7.0M)
Launches 1 (0%) 130 (65%)
Leaders listed Phil Chambers, Andy Bradford, Charles Platts Sir Peter Beck, Adam Spice, Frank Klein
News mentions 0 0
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do Orbex and Rocket Lab USA compare?

Both companies work in Launch Services. Orbex was founded in 2015 and Rocket Lab USA in 2006.

Which is larger, Orbex or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA reports the larger workforce, with 1,627 employees versus 178.

Which has more US federal contracts, Orbex or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA has been awarded more, with $7.0M across 1 awards.

Which has more launches, Orbex or Rocket Lab USA?

Rocket Lab USA leads with 130 tracked launches (65% success rate).

Numbers refresh on every render against the live Space Index database. Federal contract data from USAspending.gov; launches from LaunchLibrary2.