Scotland-based aerospace company Orbex has unveiled a prototype of a reusable orbital space rocket, now installed on its pad at Space Hub Sutherland in northern Scotland. The recently completed facility will be the site of the first-ever vertical launch of a satellite from the U.K. planned for later in 2022.

The 19 m (62 ft), two-stage rocket, powered by renewable bio-propane, is assembled with carbon/graphite components and seven 3D-printed engines — six in the first stage and one in the second stage. Prime will generate 96% lower net carbon emissions than conventionally fueled launchers as a result of biofuel use, and its reusability eliminates debris generation during launch.

Prime will be the first vertically launched space rocket from the U.K. Source: Orbex

A novel architecture saves around 30% of inert mass and increases efficiency by 20% in a rocket system engineered to reach an altitude of around 80 km, where the Orbex Prime will release a payload of small, commercial satellites into low-Earth orbit.