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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Industries

Space

We work with government agencies and commercial organisations to develop and measure the performance of cutting-edge instrumentation, materials and technologies

Enabling the space industry to use new technologies with confidence

The space industry in one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK's economy. Testing, validation and calibration form a major part of every mission build, operation and provision of downstream services, where high value satellites are required to be launched and then operated for up to 30 years without maintenance or repair. This drives the need for technologies to be 'right first time' with rigorous testing and validation programmes carried out on every component for every mission, to ensure survival in the extremely harsh space environment.

Space technology transcends geographical boundaries and is intrinsic to addressing challenges on a global scale. Whether it's technology developed specifically for space applications or existing equipment being adapted for space, measurement is at the heart of the industry. NPL has the expertise to help companies carry out spacecraft testing, mission design, operation of networks and analysing quality space-based data.

We are working to help deliver lower cost access to Space and provide the foundation for future scientific and manned missions. Measurement is an essential component and enabler of Space 4.0, Earth observation and time-dependent infrastructure.

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Space 4.0

As with Industry 4.0, we are seeing a revolution in the way Space assets are created and operated. Privately financed missions and increasing venture capital is changing industry attitudes towards investment cycles and risk. Supply chains are diversifying with more SMEs, new nations and other sectors joining the Space industry. Lower cost access to Space is creating an open playing field with middle and low-income economies, start-ups, universities and citizens now looking to play their part.

Through improved measurement technologies and techniques we can provide:

- Fast and robust space qualification 

- Product verification across diverse supply chains 

- Accurate measurement of spacecraft trajectories 

- Characterisation of new materials and electronic components 

- Qualification test procedures and standards relevant for a Space 4.0 industry

Earth observation

As with Industry 4.0, we are seeing a revolution in the way Space assets are created and operated. Privately financed missions and increasing venture capital is changing industry attitudes towards investment cycles and risk. Supply chains are diversifying with more SMEs, new nations and other sectors joining the Space industry. Lower cost access to Space is creating an open playing field with middle and low-income economies, start-ups, universities and citizens now looking to play their part.

Through improved measurement technologies and techniques we can provide:

- Fast and robust space qualification 

- Product verification across diverse supply chains 

- Accurate measurement of spacecraft trajectories 

- Characterisation of new materials and electronic components 

- Qualification test procedures and standards relevant for a Space 4.0 industry

Time-dependent infrastructure

As with Industry 4.0, we are seeing a revolution in the way Space assets are created and operated. Privately financed missions and increasing venture capital is changing industry attitudes towards investment cycles and risk. Supply chains are diversifying with more SMEs, new nations and other sectors joining the Space industry. Lower cost access to Space is creating an open playing field with middle and low-income economies, start-ups, universities and citizens now looking to play their part.

Through improved measurement technologies and techniques we can provide:

- Fast and robust space qualification 

- Product verification across diverse supply chains 

- Accurate measurement of spacecraft trajectories 

- Characterisation of new materials and electronic components 

- Qualification test procedures and standards relevant for a Space 4.0 industry

Our expertise

NPL undertakes focused research and development, as well as providing services and bespoke consultancy in the following areas:

TRUTHS: Improving climate change forecasts

Find out more about the satellite mission which will support climate adaptation by establishing a space-based climate and calibration observing system. 

TRUTHS

Case study

Proving the technology that will underpin the UK’s national spaceflight services

Article

Our research

Our research ranges from measuring the dimensions of components to monitoring the images from satellites.

Find out how we can help you

Working with us opens the door to state-of-the-art facilities and over 500 passionate scientists with world-class measurement capabilities.