Satellite Applications Catapult
The Satellite Applications Catapult is an elite innovation and technology company, which exists to grow the UK economy by supporting our best companies to accelerate the invention and adoption of space data and technology.
Our vision is to enable a world-leading space sector, to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
As a part Innovate UK’s portfolio, we provide access to cutting-edge research and development facilities and innovation ecosystems, including business support and market adoption services, to support businesses with new innovations that address market needs, from concept through to adoption by customers.
Services offered
Facilities
ESA Phi-Lab UK research projects will be able to use Satellite Applications Catapult’s world-leading In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufactuing (ISAM) Facility in Westcott, UK. Our purpose-built facility to verify, validate and demonstrate future in-orbit operations covers a wide range of capabilities including manufacturing, servicing, inspection, repair, and assembly. The key features of this facility are state-of-the-art in-orbit simulation robots complete with digital twin capabilities, gravity offload, contact dynamics and advanced additive manufacturing.
Technologies that could be validated on the system include guidance sensors & software, docking mechanisms (including refuelling) and servicing and assembly robots.
Located at Westcott Venture Park, the capabilities of the ISAM Test Facility mean you can test your products for space without having to leave Earth. You can find out more about our facility here: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/facilities/isam/
Satellite Applications Catapult has a variety of facilities that are also available for projects outside of the scope of ESA Phi-Lab – if you would like to find out more, visit https://sa.catapult.org.uk/facilities/ or email facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk.
Expertise
As part of the use of the ISAM Facility, ESA Phi-Lab UK research projects also gain access to the broad expertise of our Beyond Earth team. This includes:
- Our robotics team, who will help both in the implementation of any robotics servicers or in integrating your system with our facility, enabling you to model AOCS and PNT systems
- Our manufacturing team, who can assist you in the design and manufacture of components for your project, as well as offer perspectives on design-for-manufacture and in-space manufacturing
- Our digital twin capabilities, which will help you develop your solutions before you begin using the facility – which means your time in the facility can generate even more data
- Our machine learning and AI experts who can offer perspectives on automating ISAM tasks
