A new international satellite laboratory dubbed the “Dartmouth Satellite” has officially opened in the South of England. This milestone represents a great success for the entire UK space industry. This new lab, created with an investment of £3.8 million, would establish testing facilities to develop electric propulsion systems, increasingly powering next generation satellites. The project was supported by the UK Space Agency’s public outreach funds. This critical support indicates the government’s growing commitment to develop cutting-edge space technology within the country.
The new UK Space Agency chief executive, Dr Paul Bate, was clear last week about why this investment matters. He stated that the lab serves as a “fantastic example of how targeted investment can deliver real impact.” The new facility will provide support to some existing, larger aerospace industries. It will be open to start-ups and academic researchers who are passionate about pioneering electric propulsion.
Electric propulsion systems are essential for all satellite operations today. They offer higher efficiency and longer service lives compared to conventional propulsion systems. The lab will enable various stakeholders to conduct research and testing, facilitating advancements in this critical area of space technology.
One of the main tenants of the new building is Magdrive, a fast-growing company working to create electric propulsion systems. Magdrive’s co-founder and CEO Mark Stokes was excited about the lab’s possibilities.
“This new facility will create new opportunities for collaboration and discovery,” – Mark Stokes.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd eulogized the importance of electric propulsion technology in her remarks. She noted that it is “shaping the future of how we operate in space,” and emphasized the importance of the new lab in ensuring that UK innovators can lead the way.
“By opening its doors to the wider space community, the DEEP Lab will accelerate the pace of discovery and help cement the UK’s reputation as a global leader in space technology,” – Liz Lloyd.
Opening this lab is a great stride towards smart investment in the UK’s rapidly growing space sector. It encourages partnerships between industry, academia, and government laboratories and strengthens the nation’s research infrastructure in electric propulsion systems. By fostering innovation and supporting a diverse range of users, the lab is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s position in the global space industry.