Satellite Mission Laboratory launched at Strathclyde

The first Satellite Applications Catapult Mission Laboratory – that will enable access to flight-like hardware for satellite technology providers – has been launched at the University of Strathclyde.

The laboratory is the first step in the planned deployment of a national network of mission lab facilities planned by the Catapult. The Catapult is aimed at developing the small satellite supply chain in the UK. As one of the Catapult’s new Regional Centres of Excellence, the University of Strathclyde was chosen to host the lab, providing easier geographic access to technology providers in the northern part of the UK.

Professor Colin McInnes, Director of the Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory said:

The Strathclyde Space Institute is a multi-disciplinary venture addressing key challenges in space systems engineering, space robotics, satellite applications and access to space. This new laboratory will allow us to enhance our engagement with the space sector through partnerships and using new knowledge to stimulate change and further innovation. It will be used extensively by our partner Clyde Space Ltd as a platform to develop new CubeSat technologies and applications.

The CubeSat flatsat is the first piece of the laboratory infrastructure which will enable the development of proof-of-concept payloads and satellite systems for future missions and satellite platforms. Additionally, it will provide ad-hoc and ongoing support for academic institutions, start-ups and SMEs. This will mitigate the need for significant up-front investment that might otherwise be necessary to demonstrate new technology concepts.