Cranfield University is set to benefit from involvement in three new projects which are receiving a share of £33 million from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme. Peter Kyle, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary of State announced the investment at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. The Innovation Programme is designed to invest in high-potential technologies, drive innovation and unlock growth across the UK.
Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, Professor Sir Iain Gray, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be part of these three innovative projects, which illustrate the breadth and depth of space research expertise we have at Cranfield. This is a sector that has huge potential both in terms of advancing technologies and driving growth.”
The three projects that Cranfield University is part of are:
- SHARP (Sustainable Hybrid: Accelerated Rocket Programme): £5 million
Led by HyImpulse UK in partnership with Cranfield University, Birmingham University and AVICON Partnership. This project aims to conduct the vertical launch of a sounding rocket from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, with the goal of developing key components contributing to an orbital launch service. HyImpulse intends to provide a fully vertically integrated launch service for a low-cost, fast, flexible, and reliable deployment of small satellites to low Earth and sun synchronous orbits. - Advanced Microscopy and Thermal Control Upgrades to the SpaceLab Microgravity Research System: £560,000
Led by Frontier Space Technologies, in partnership with Cranfield University. Frontier Space Technologies Ltd and Cranfield University will develop their SpaceLab, capable of conducting experiments in microgravity environments. Specific upgrades will significantly enhance capability for drug discovery and in orbit manufacture of high value products. Applications include pharmaceuticals, biosciences and material science. - FIBSTAR (FIBre STeered SpAce Reflective mirrors): £450,000
Led by iCOMAT in partnership with Cranfield University, the project will develop and prototype lightweight carbon fibre mirrors using novel fibre steering technology. The primary aims are to develop a simulation design framework, then produce a representative demo article to validate benefits of fibre-steering.
DSIT Secretary of State Peter Kyle said: “From combatting climate change to staying connected with loved ones, space technologies play an important role in many aspects of our day to day lives. But backing the growth of UK space companies is also essential for driving economic growth, boosting productivity, and creating wealth in every community. Our £33m investment in these projects highlights the huge potential of the UK’s space industry, especially as we collaborate with international partners.”
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations. They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”
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