A new National Laboratory for energy data has formally opened on the Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire. This facility is the cornerstone for developing and testing advanced space satellite engines. The facility was £3.8 million to construct. It will help lead the UK in building electric propulsion systems which are key to the miniaturised and modern satellites.
Magdrive, a leading innovator in the aerospace industry, will be the first user of this brand-new state-of-the-art laboratory. The new facility is geared toward providing a hub for mature aerospace companies, emerging companies or start-ups and university research. It provides unparalleled, specialized testing capabilities that are key in driving innovation in space technology.
The laboratory was made possible in part with funding from the UK Space Agency. This support underscores the federal government’s commitment to continuing to push the envelope on aerospace innovation. This investment enhances the UK’s position in the booming global space industry. Just as important, it fuels new collaborations, partnerships and unexpected discoveries.
Liz Lloyd, the UK Space Minister, highlighted the importance of electric propulsion systems in leading the development of an operation space environment. She reiterated the importance of UK innovators leading the way in this domain. This is particularly important when the competitive advantage is easily lost.
“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
Paul Bate, the chief executive of the UK Space Agency, welcomed the opening of the new laboratory. He dubbed it a “fantastic example of how targeted investment can deliver real impact.” His comments are part of a larger vision about how to increase research and development in the aerospace industry.
Mark Stokes, co-founder and CEO of Magdrive, was excited about the new laboratory’s potential. This would create terrific new opportunities for collaborative discovery and research, he said. Further, it would accelerate the development of advanced electric propulsion systems that are vital to most satellite operations.
The opening of this laboratory is a major milestone for the GBP 39 billion aerospace community in the UK. By providing access to advanced testing facilities and fostering partnerships among various stakeholders, it aims to accelerate innovation and maintain the country’s leadership in space technology.
