Forres-based Orbex has launched its 2022 internship programme, offering an opportunity for interns with the right skills to work with Europe’s leading orbital services company as it prepares to begin commercial launch services.

Successful applicants will join Orbex at its headquarters in Forres. They will have a unique opportunity to work across a range of disciplines, including: guidance, navigation and control (GNC), structures and systems engineering.

The internships will also be promoted by the Space Placements in INdustry (SPIN) scheme managed by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and supported by Satellite Applications Catapult. The SPIN programme is designed to help students studying STEM subjects gain experience that will help them develop long-term careers in the space industry.

Applications are sought from eligible candidates currently studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, with specific experience in mathematics, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, physics or aerospace. They must demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for working in the space sector. The paid placements are expected to last 10 months with the potential opportunity to join Orbex in a permanent role in the future.

Elliott Doyle, Orbex head of talent acquisition, said: “This will be the fourth year in a row Orbex has offered an internship programme. It provides an unrivalled opportunity for those interested in working within the UK’s fast-growing space industry to gain relevant experience across multiple projects and disciplines – working in a highly experienced team with professional backgrounds in NASA, ESA, Ariane and other commercial spaceflight organisations.

“Previous interns have been able to transition to full-time roles at Orbex and we are hoping this will continue to be the case with our 2022 cohort.”

Orbex is currently testing its ‘Prime’ rocket at a test site in Kinloss, where full ‘dress rehearsals’ of launch procedures are taking place. It will launch from its ‘home’ spaceport at Sutherland in the North of Scotland.

Prime is a micro-launcher designed to transport small satellites weighing around 150kg to low Earth orbit. Is it poised to become the world’s most environmentally friendly space rocket with a carbon footprint up to 96% lower than comparable space launch programmes.