# Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites The Orbex Prime Rocket Utilizes Bio-Propane and a 3D-Prinited Engine By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2022-05-13 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime References: [spaceexplored](https://spaceexplored.com/2022/05/12/orbex-unveils-full-scale-biofuel-powered-rocket/) & [orbex.space](https://orbex.space/)  Nano satellite company Orbex Space has officially revealed its first full-scale mini-satellite called the Orbex Prime, which will be launching as a prototype from the company's Scotland-based launch site. According to the company, the Orbex Prime was built specifically with sustainability in mind, which is why the vehicle utilizes [bio-propane -- a low-carbon fuel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decarbonizing-aviation) that allows the mini-satellite to produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than traditional hyrdocarbon-powered satellites. What's more, the Orbex Prime is equipped with a [3D-printed engine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neco-hp), which aligns the company with other leading innovators within the space such as [Rocket Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle) and Relatively Space. "To deliver the performance and environmental sustainability we wanted from a 21st century rocket we had to innovate in a wide number of areas – low-carbon fuels, fully 3D-printed rocket engines, very lightweight fuel tanks, and a novel, low-mass reusability technology," said Chris Lamour, Orbex CEO. Image Credit: Orbex Space ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Spacecraft:** Opportunities for companies to develop low-carbon footprint rockets similar to the Orbex Prime with the use of bio-propane fuel and 3D-printed engines. - **Additive Manufacturing in Space Industry:** Opportunities for companies to incorporate 3D printing technology in the design and production of satellite components, similar to Orbex Prime's 3D-printed engine. - **Low-carbon Space Launching Sites:** Opportunities for companies to implement sustainable practices in space launching sites, similar to Orbex Space's Scotland-based launch site that utilizes low-carbon fuel. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Space Industry:** Innovative rocket designs and the usage of sustainable practices, like the Orbex Prime's bio-propane fuel and 3D-printed engine, could open a new era of spacecraft production. - **Manufacturing Industry:** 3D printing technology implementation in space industry could generate new demand and challenges for manufacturing industries to produce extraterrestrial-level materials and innovate to meet the demands of the industry. - **Green Energy Industry:** Bio-propane fuel could revolutionize spacecraft fuel usage, and companies in the green energy sector could capitalize on this emerging market, competing with traditional fossil-fuel based energy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Orbital Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phoenix-engine.md) - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md) - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [Revolutionary Reusable Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-rockets.md) - [IoT Space Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isar-aerospace.md) - [IoT-Focused Satellite Deployments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-kite.md) - [Launched Japanese Wooden Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lingosat.md) - [Groundbreaking Commercial Satellite Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commercial-satellite-technology.md) - [Decarbonizing Demonstrator Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demonstrator-aircraft.md)