ERN has officially opened a new laboratory focused on developing electric propulsion systems in the UK. This will be an incredible achievement and an important step ahead for the nation’s space capabilities. The £3.8 million facility, partially funded by the UK Space Agency, aims to provide specialist testing facilities for electric propulsion technology essential to powering modern satellites.
This lab is extremely well placed for aerospace innovation. It acts as an incubator to Magdrive, an electric propulsion upstart who is already gaining traction as a sector’s rising star. According to this tweet by Magdrive co-founder & CEO, Mark Stokes, he’s excited about what the lab can do. He stated that it would “create new opportunities for collaboration and discovery,” enhancing the capabilities of both new and established firms within the space industry.
The lab is meant to serve a host of customers, from start-ups, to aerospace primes, to university based researchers. This open-access approach is designed to encourage innovation throughout the sector, letting a range of partners – from industry to academia – take advantage of state-of-the-art testing facilities.
Liz Lloyd, Minister for Space and Advanced Technology, underlined the potential for electric propulsion to revolutionise how space is operated. She noted that this technology is “shaping the future of how we operate in space” and highlighted its role in ensuring that UK innovators can lead the way. The DEEP Lab looks forward to having the broader space community in! This step changes the pace of discovery and cements the UK’s status as a global leader in space technology.
Dr. Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, stated that the lab’s opening is an important step. He described it as a “fantastic example of how targeted investment can deliver real impact,” underscoring the potential benefits of such initiatives for the country’s space ambitions.
Electric propulsion has moved to the forefront in the aerospace industry. Opening this lab will be a game-changer for innovation in the UK. It is simply not prepared to promote the kinds of innovations that will fundamentally shake up the power and operations of satellites. That readiness will determine the future for decades.
