A new space electric propulsion systems laboratory has opened its doors at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, UK. Announced in early July, the 27-strong cohort is embodied within a £3.8 million facility – with the UK Space Agency providing around 60% of capital funding. It aims to provide essential testing and development resources for modern satellites and is expected to significantly enhance the UK’s standing in the global space industry.
The new laboratory will serve as an advanced RDT&E testbed for testing integrated electric propulsion systems. These systems are increasingly critical for powering today’s more powerful satellites. Through its cutting-edge facilities, the lab will be open to start-ups, established aerospace companies and scholarly researchers as well.
Magdrive, a pioneer company in the sector, has been one of the major users of the laboratory, highlighting its impact to support innovation. Mark Stokes, the co-founder and CEO of Magdrive, emphasized the importance of the lab, stating that it will “create new opportunities for collaboration and discovery.”
Through this laboratory, the UK Space Agency intends to further pioneer the UK’s engagement with open data. This initiative should help ensure that UK innovators continue to stay at the forefront of electric propulsion technology. Space Minister Liz Lloyd highlighted the strategic significance of electric propulsion, saying it is “shaping the future of how we operate in space.” She noted that by opening its doors to the wider space community, the DEEP Lab would “accelerate the pace of discovery and help cement the UK’s reputation as a global leader in space technology.”
Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, praised the lab as a “fantastic example of how targeted investment can deliver real impact.” This perception reflects a strong long-term political commitment to continue to develop innovation through the UK’s space industry.
The laboratory’s state-of-the-art infrastructure is built to support the increasing pace and need of technology creation in the field of space. It hopes to bring a unique, collaborative environment that fosters partnerships among cities, states, academia, and private industry partners in the aerospace ecosystem.