Efforts towards space sector sustainability
In alignment with the “Statement for a Responsible Space Sector”, the European space sector is increasingly committing to address the challenges of the long-term sustainability of space projects. Notably, in the space travel domain, some companies and institutions are working to develop cleaner alternatives to using liquid hydrogen for fuel. It is notably the case at the German Aerospace Center, where researchers are working on a fuel that only produces nitrogen, oxygen, and water when heated. Moreover, to be able to improve satellites life-time in lower orbits (the preferred orbits for many commercial operations), several groups of researchers in the US, EU, and Japan are working on Atmospheric-Breathing Electric Propulsion systems. Scotland is also making a strong case for space sustainability by creating the first Space Sustainability Roadmap of its kind, encompassing sustainability both on the ground and in orbit, as well as the reduction of emissions by the space sector.
Earth Observation newest investments and partnerships
In the UK, the government announced a package of up to £200m funding to invest in the its Earth Observation sector. Representatives made clear this investment is notably driven by the government willingness to capture key climate data. This motive was also mentioned by the CEO of Japan Space Imaging Corporation as a main driver for its new partnership with Satellite Vu, a British company planning on launching a satellite constellation to measure thermal emissions. Moreover, in the insurance domain, that leverages satellite imagery to anticipate and respond to catastrophic events, a partnership has been announced between ICEYE, a SAR satellites constellation company, and Betterview, a property intelligence and risk management platform.
Boosts of UK’s space manufacturing capabilities
Scotland has been selected by Mangata Networks, a global satellite telecommunications company, for the extension of its research and development activities as well as satellite manufacturing, space systems, and core network operations. This NewSpace hub, expected to generate over 500 jobs, will be located in Prestwick. This is again a new signal that confirms UK’s space sector rapid growth! To support this growth, MTC Training, the training arm of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, has announced the launch of new training courses that will underpin the advances being made by UK manufacturers.
