Success in Space for Growth
NPL will lead two collaborative projects, and participate in a further two, from the Space for Growth competition, funded by the Technology Strategy Board in partnership with the UK Space Agency and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
industry (image courtesy of iStockphoto)
The projects utilise NPL's expertise in time and frequency measurement and Earth Observation data.
Optical cavity for next generation timing and navigation
Currently, the 'ticks' of the atomic clocks that power the global positioning system (GPS) are governed by microwave oscillators, but the next generation of atomic clocks will be governed by optical oscillators. As light-waves oscillate 100,000 times faster than microwaves, an optical clock will be more accurate and deliver its timing signal faster.
This project concerns the development of a 'rugged' optical oscillator invented by NPL for operation in space, which can be shaken, turned upside-down and yet still keep the time. UK and International patent applications have been made for this world-leading technology and the project, in partnership with Astrium Ltd, will pave the way for further investment leading to manufacture in the UK.
TruDAT (Trusted Data for Carbon, Science and Finance)
In partnership with Logica and the University of Sheffield, this project will look at how NPL's new Centre for Carbon Measurement can provide metrics to describe the quality and uncertainty of Earth Observation data in order to assess its suitability for individual applications. Scientists, government and commercial users can then gain access to this validated climate data through a new facility for Climate and Environmental Measurement from Space (CEMS).
As a 'case study' TruDAT will also look at the quantification of carbon in forests, which is a vitally important measurement to ensure fairness in the carbon trading market and the success of schemes such as the UN's REDD+ initiative, which aims to create an internationally harmonised financial value for the carbon stored in forests.
CEMS Data Integrity Facility Pilot Project
As part of a project team led by Vega Space Ltd, NPL will investigate the Quality Assurance aspects of the CEMS data and check its consistency with the international quality assurance framework for earth observation, known as QA4EO. This work will also lead to better data being available through CEMS.
Growth of NanoBlack for Space Sensing
This project will look at the development, performance characterisation and space qualification of a novel carbon nanotube coating, produced by Surrey NanoSystems. The nanotubes absorb light, making the coating spectrally flat and extremely unreflective, essentially a very dark black.
NPL's role in the project, which is led by ABSL Space Products, is to complete the optical characterisation, i.e. how well the coating absorbs and reflects light. The project will also look at how the coating can be exploited for a range of potential space applications, including detectors on satellites and calibration targets for infrared sensors, as well as other potential ground-based uses.
All four of these new projects emphasise the important role NPL plays in supporting the UK space sector.
The Space for Growth competition funds collaborative research and development projects to help boost the UK Space sector and stimulate innovation. The offer of funding to these projects is conditional and remains subject to the successful completion of Technology Strategy Board, UK Space Agency and the South East England Development Agency compliance and financial review processes.
More about NPL's work on Earth Observation
Find out more about NPL's work on Time & Frequency
For more information, please contact Nigel Fox