Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Omnidea completed its acquisition of Orbex’s UK manufacturing assets, intellectual property and brand on 30 September 2026. The deal gives the Portuguese company a Forres base and capabilities it plans to use in developing a proposed successor to Orbex’s Prime rocket—but it does not guarantee a UK launch, and Omnidea has not announced a launch date or chosen a launch site.
What Omnidea acquired—and what it did not
The asset purchase followed a competitive process run by Orbex’s administrators. European Spaceflight reported that Omnidea submitted its offer in March 2026 and completed the transaction after UK and Danish foreign-investment and export-control approvals. The purchase price was not disclosed.
The acquired package includes two of the three buildings Orbex previously operated in Forres, manufacturing equipment, tools, material stocks, processes, intellectual property, data from UK and Danish operations, and the Orbex brand. The Orbex corporate entities remained in administration; this was an asset acquisition, not a purchase of the companies themselves. Assets at Kinloss and Sutherland were being handled separately. European Spaceflight’s account of the transaction details its scope.
Omnidea said it had ringfenced more than €10 million for integrating the assets, establishing a UK team and building a sustainable Forres operation. That allocation is not the purchase price.
#1 Best Overall
- BEGINNER MODEL-ROCKET LAUNCH SET: The Tandem-X rocket-model launch set offers adults and kids ages 10+ hours of fun during the holidays as they complete and launch our Amazon and Crossfire ISX rocket models. This set includes the easy-to-assemble Amazon model parts, the Crossfire ISX model parts, parachutes, and the launch pad system. It requires rocket engines, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch use (sold separately).
- 2 SOARING ALTITUDE HEIGHTS: Our Tandem X set offers a high-performing power duo with our giant 30-inch Amazon model (600-foot projected altitude with a C6-5 rocket engine) and our streamlined 15.6-inch Crossfire ISX model (1,150-foot projected altitude with a C6-7 rocket engine). Other compatible Estes model-rocket engines for Amazon model: B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C5-3, and C6-3. Other compatible engines for Crossfire ISX: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, and C6-5. All engines sold separately.
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: Our beginner model-rocket launch set comes with 2 build options. The precolored Amazon model features plastic fins and self-stick graphics and can be built in an hour. The Crossfire ISX model comes with laser-cut wood fins, self-stick decals, and aerodynamic parts. Pair the rockets with the included Porta Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller for a hands-on educational activity or a unique Christmas gift for a budding scientist or a space aficionado.
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets and rocket launch accessories are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- WE IGNITE IMAGINATIONS: Since 1958, Estes has created educational rocket kits and displays designed for an unforgettable aerospace experience. As a family-owned company, we have grown to offer exciting STEM products that engage aspiring rocketeers and the future minds of aerospace.
How Forres is intended to strengthen Omnidea
Omnidea plans to make its Scottish operation a centre for structures development and fabrication, as well as a hub for flight- and ground-system electronics. These capabilities are intended to complement the company’s existing work in propulsion and fluid systems. Former Orbex employees are expected to form the initial core of the UK team, with further recruitment planned as the operation develops, according to Aero Magazine’s report.
Omnidea vice president Sérgio da Cunha Oliveira, who is to lead UK operations, described the intended combination this way: “This acquisition means we can combine deep expertise in structures, electronics and advanced manufacturing with the propulsion and fluid-systems capability we have built up over more than two decades.” This is his statement as reported by Aero Magazine, not an independent assessment of the deal.
Rank #2
- BEGINNER MODEL ROCKET LAUNCH SET: The Estes Alpha III launch set lets kids ages 10+ and hobbyists easily build and launch this iconic model rocket. The model rocket kit includes rocket parts, engine mount, decals, a parachute, a launch pad system, and instructions. For blastoff, you’ll need Estes rocket engines, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries (not included).
- SOARS UP TO 1,150 FT.: Our Alpha III model rocket is designed for first-time STEM kit builders and climbs up to a projected altitude of 1,150 ft. (351 m). It’s compatible with 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, or C6-7 Estes rocket engines (sold separately).
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: Rocket building sparks creativity and a love for science and outer space! This beginner Alpha III model kit is easily put together with 1 hour of preparation and includes decals. It comes with a Porta-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller for an unforgettable blastoff for first-time rocketeers.
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- ESTES EDUCATION: Since 1958, Estes has created educational rocket kits designed for an unforgettable launch experience. As a family-owned, US-based company, we offer exciting and engaging STEM products for all interests, skills, and power levels.
PrimeNEO is a proposal, not a scheduled launch
Omnidea says it is adapting Orbex’s Prime launcher into a proposed vehicle called PrimeNEO, with an emphasis on simplifying the design and improving manufacturability. The company has not announced a first-launch date. Scotland and the Azores are both under consideration as possible launch locations; Omnidea says a decision will come later as development progresses. The asset purchase itself does not transfer a spaceport.
In an interview with ECO, Omnidea chief executive Tiago Pardal said an orbital launcher by 2028 was not expected and described 2035 as “probably more realistic.” Those are interview expectations, not a firm launch schedule. Pardal also said Omnidea expected to begin seeking outside funding in 2028; that is a future fundraising intention, not completed financing. He told ECO: “It would make sense for us to have the capacity to launch our own satellites”. He also said the company first needed to assess the acquired assets, develop a technology roadmap and evaluate financing options. ECO’s interview provides that context.
Rank #3
- INTERMEDIATE MODEL-ROCKET-BUILDING KIT: This Estes model rocket kit bulk pack offers kids ages 10+ the chance to build and blast our high-flying 1754 Wizard model rocket during holidays and special occasions. Each intermediate building kit includes the model parts, an engine mount, design decals, a recovery parachute, and instructions. Each requires rocket engines, a launch pad system, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch (sold separately).
- SOAR UP TO 1,600 FT.: Our spellbinding 1754 Wizard rocket model was made for wind-drift studies or flight competitions. It has a projected altitude of 1,600 ft. (488 m) on a C6-7 Estes model-rocket engine (sold separately) and is also compatible with 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, or C6-5 rocket engines.
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: Rocket-building kits are creative, educational gift ideas for Christmas or special-occasion surprises! Our intermediate-level rocket-building bulk pack comes with ready-to-build rockets that each require approximately 1 hour of assembly time. Add the included decals and pair the rockets with the right engines, Porta-Pad II Launch Pad, and Electron Beam Launch Controller (sold separately) for a memorable blastoff.
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- ESTES EDUCATION: Estes Education provides educators with the tools for success through our interdisciplinary STEM products, accessible lessons, and online resources. Our mission is to cultivate the skills and confidence necessary to easily implement science and rocketry in classrooms, youth programs, and beyond.
What happens to Proxima and programme funding?
Omnidea said it would not continue development of Orbex’s proposed medium-lift Proxima vehicle. It was discussing whether funding associated with Orbex’s European Launcher Challenge proposal could be made available to the new company, but no transfer or award had been confirmed in the transaction reporting. Do not treat that funding as part of the acquired assets or as money already secured.
The UK government’s programme context is separate from Omnidea’s purchase. In a written answer on 2 June 2026, the government said the UK had not withheld European Space Agency funding from Orbex. It said the UK subscribed approximately £162 million to ESA launch programmes in November 2025 and allocated Orbex the maximum possible amount under ESA rules and selection criteria. Further funding required matching private investment, which Orbex was unable to raise. The answer is available from UK Parliament’s written answer HL292.
Rank #4
- BEGINNER MODEL ROCKET SET: The Estes Athena model rocket gives kids ages 10+ and beginners an easy way to experience real rocket launches with no building required! This ready-to-fly model rocket kit includes a fully prepared rocket with a parachute. This rocket requires Estes rocket engines, a launch pad system, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries (sold separately) for launch use.
- SOARS UP TO 1,125 FT.: Our high-flying Athena rocket features a bright 12-inch parachute for safe recovery and soars up to a projected altitude of 1,125 ft. (343 m) with a C6-7 engine (sold separately). It is also compatible with the A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, and C6-5 rocket engines.
- READY TO FLY: Rocket-building kits are creative, educational gift ideas for Christmas or special-occasion surprises! This beginner-friendly Athena rocket comes fully assembled and just takes 15 minutes of preparation time. This model pairs with the Porta Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller (sold separately) for blastoff.SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- ESTES EDUCATION: Since 1958, Estes has created educational rocket kits designed for an unforgettable launch experience. As a family-owned, US-based company, we offer exciting and engaging STEM products for all interests, skills, and power levels.
What the acquisition means for UK launch ambitions
The UK government said Orbex’s administration did not end the country’s launch ambitions. It said next steps would focus on accelerating launch from Scotland and announced £20 million for Scottish spaceport infrastructure development. That policy support does not establish that PrimeNEO will fly from Scotland, or that a launch will happen on a particular schedule. The government’s position is set out in its Space-Comm Expo 2026 speech.
The clearest near-term change is industrial: Omnidea has acquired a manufacturing and engineering base in Forres and plans to build a UK team around it. Whether that capacity becomes an operational launcher depends on subsequent design, financing and launch-site decisions. The acquisition preserves assets and offers a path to further development; it is not, by itself, a confirmed UK rocket launch.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
