A new advanced materials space laboratory has officially opened its doors on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. This milestone represents an exciting step forward for the United Kingdom’s nascent space technology sector. This centre was built entirely with £3.8 million of central government funding. The project’s goal is to promote innovation by creating and testing next generation space satellite engines, particularly electric propulsion systems.
The UK Space Agency contributed partial funding to support the creation of the laboratory. This investment reiterates the government’s commitment to building the UK’s position within the global space industry. Electric propulsion systems have become a critical technology in today’s satellites, offering high-performance power sources that allow for much longer missions.
The laboratory will act as an open collaborative space for all participants, from start-ups to established aerospace firms to academic researchers. Such a collaborative environment is aimed at furthering innovation and creating an opportunity for knowledge sharing across the space community.
Magdrive, which specializes in making propulsion systems for the aerospace sector and is now expanding into new markets, will be the facility’s main user. Mark Stokes, the CEO of Magdrive, said he was thrilled by the new possibilities the laboratory will open up.
“This laboratory will create new opportunities for collaboration and discovery.” – Mark Stokes
Dr. Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said the investment was strategically vital. He described the laboratory as a “fantastic example of how targeted investment can deliver real impact,” reinforcing the UK’s dedication to leading advancements in space technology.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd wanted to underscore the wider significance of the laboratory’s inauguration. She stated that it plays a crucial role in “shaping the future of how we operate in space” and ensuring that UK innovators can lead the way. She highlighted the importance of opening the door to the broader space community, which would accelerate discoveries. This would help realize the government’s stated aim of reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in space technology.