Author: Stuart Catchpole

On 11^th June STEMPOINT ran an online Space Careers panel talk to raise awareness of careers within the Space Industry.

The ‘’Space for you’’ webinar was offered to all schools nationally by STEM Learning and schools joined from across the UK, as well as Spain.

The panel was hosted by Stuart Catchpole, Space Cluster Development Manager for the Space East cluster.

Students and teachers heard from  Space Inspiration Ambassadors  Nuala O’Flynn, from the Hertfordshire University  Astronomy and Physics outreach team, Emilie Hertig , PHD student in Astronomy at Cambridge University, Kathie Bowden , Skills Manager at Catalyst Satellite Applications, together with Jake Geer, Managing Director of Orbitfab.

Stuart then led a panel talk covering topics such as the future of Space exploration, skills needed, career routes and advice for young people.

15 schools joined, with approximately 600 students and the session was recorded and uploaded to the STEMPOINT You Tube channel here  with 23 views to date.

Feedback from attendees was positive, with many questions from students including:

Do you think we will ever go to another galaxy?

What is the biggest challenge in your industry and how could you beat it?

What is the furthest Supermassive Black Hole from us discovered by man?

Did the risks of pursuing a career in space affect your choice?

‘’A quick note to say thanks to all of you for a great panel today.  A real mix of ages, interest and panelists which I think worked well!  Particular thanks to STEMPOINT for bringing us together and Stuart (Catchpole) for chairing the discussion so well. I hope this event and the recording will get a few more young people into a space career in future.’’

Jake Geer. MD Orbitfab (panelist)

Please follow this link Space Inspirations (stem.org.uk) for details of how you can become involved in ESERO’s Space Inspiration programme or email j.oreilly@stempoint.org.uk

know.space is conducting research for the UK Space Agency on the opportunities and potential growth areas within the emerging In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector.

Are you a potential customer, supplier, or operator in the ISAM field? We’re particularly interested in hearing from experts in:

• Active Debris Removal (ADR)
• Last Mile Delivery (LMD)
• Life Extension Services (LES)
• Controlled De-Orbiting

By participating in this brief survey (5-15 minutes), you’ll directly contribute to shaping the future of ISAM policy and support.

📝Take the survey here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Opportunities_ISAM/

⏰ Don’t miss out—survey closes on November 15th! Respond soon to ensure your voice is heard.

The study also includes In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly. If you’re a service provider or potential user in this area and would like to share your insights, please reach out to arrange a direct consultation: ISAM@know.space

Your participation is crucial to the growth of the UK ISAM sector, and we are deeply grateful for your time and support. For questions or further information, contact know.space at ISAM@know.space.

Thank you for your valuable support.

There is still time to join the ‘Prepare for Space’ initiative, a technology transfer programme that allows non-space companies based in the UK to apply for business and technical support to provide easier access to the space industry.

The space sector is growing rapidly, with many technologies developed on Earth finding applications in space just as those developed for space have become integral to our lives on Earth, such as the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS).

‘Prepare for Space’ offers non-space organisations a route to take advantage of the growing number of commercial opportunities in the space sector.

In addition to dedicated training in business case development, supply chain understanding and support in sourcing funding for projects, non-space companies will gain access to ESA programmes, providing information and training on ESA opportunities, technology transfer and calls.

This initiative is being led by TWI Ltd, who were appointed as the official European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Broker for the UK in May 2024. Technology brokerage works to promote and support cross-sector activities between space and non-space sector entities, allowing businesses, organisations and companies to build a mutually beneficial ecosystem for growth and technical innovation.

The first round of open calls for the ‘Prepare for Space’ initiative are due to close on 8 November, 2024, so you still have time to join and see how you could expand your business into new opportunities in space.

To find out more and apply, please email prepareforspace@esa-technology-broker.co.uk to arrange a meeting to discuss the programme further.

About TWI

TWI Ltd is a membership-based organisation, supporting both individuals and companies alike. They provide authoritative and impartial expert advice, knowhow and safety assurance through engineering, materials and joining technologies – helping their Members design, create and operate the best products possible.

Spanning innovation, knowledge transfer and problem resolution across all aspects of welding, joining, surface engineering, inspection and whole-life integrity management, TWI, which is descended from the British Welding Research Association (BWRA), has grown into one of the foremost independent research and technology organisations.

TWI has delivered a number inventions, innovations and developments to industry, including advancing MIG and TIG welding, creating CTOD and methods of understanding of brittle fracture, fatigue design SN curves, linear friction and friction stir welding, local vacuum electron beam welding, and many more.

In addition to research work, TWI undertakes confidential projects for their Industrial Members, providing solutions that directly assist the Member’s business.

To find out more about the work of TWI Ltd visit https://www.twi-global.com/ or email contactus@twi.co.uk.

Copyright for all belongs to Guardtech, credit Guardtech.

Haverhill-based cleanroom construction specialists scoop Bury Free Press Awards win for Innovation with portable container business Cleancube Mobile Cleanrooms

THE GUARDTECH GROUP are celebrating a third awards success in the space of two months after clinching the West Suffolk Innovation of the Year prize at the Bury Free Awards.

The Haverhill-based contamination control experts won the gong for their groundbreaking work with shipping container cleanroom solution Cleancube Mobile Cleanrooms.

It follows their Gold Award for Best Enterprising Business and Silver Award for Family Business of the Year at the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards in September.

Guardtech Group Commercial Director Mark Wheeler paid tribute to the team at Cleancube HQ in Brandon, Suffolk, as well as the wider Group, for their “fantastic efforts” in bringing home another cherished honour for the trophy cabinet.

“A huge well done to everyone,” he said. “This Bury Free Award is just further testimony to the great work that the whole team is doing and recognition of their commitment to excellence and high-quality delivery. These awards are a public display and commendation that hopefully demonstrate to everyone at Guardtech just what a top job they’re all doing, both individually and as part of their specific teams. The Directors are super proud and keen that we maintain these lofty standards going forward.”

Guardtech have taken the shipping container cleanroom construction brand, which has previously won Federation of Small Businesses and SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards for Innovation, to new heights in the past 12 months with the development of Cleancube Multi large-scale facilities.

Recent projects have included a Containment Level 2 Cleancube Multi 7 for a world-leading Biopharmaceutical manufacturer, as well as a Multi 10 for life-saving work to combat malaria in East Africa.

The Multi 7 model sees seven shipping containers conjoined to create a 210sqm facility, while the ten-container Multi 10 set-up constitutes an impressive 300sqm footprint.

The containers are all pre-fabricated at Cleancube HQ in Suffolk, giving applications the option to install a ready-made, plug-and-play solution in an open warehouse space or car park within a matter of months, saving the need for on-site construction and circumventing any restrictions on adapting, refurbishing or expanding an existing facility.

More large-scale container facilities are being lined up for development in the coming months, covering everything from NHS Trusts and Healthcare to Research & Development and High-Tech Engineering, and

Wheeler is excited about the future for Guardtech’s multi-award-winning business, which is helping to change the face of modular controlled environments.

“There are just so many benefits to Cleancube,” he added, “that’s what is making it such a popular solution and why the business is growing exponentially.

“The fact that each module is pre-fabricated and ready for rapid, plug-and-play deployment, the fact we can use road and shipping networks to send them all over the world… Quality lab space is at a premium right now – and many applications don’t have the time, budget or space to construct a turnkey facility.

“Cleancube is the ultimate controlled environment problem-solving solution. It helps Life Sciences firms overcomes all the common construction challenges they face.

“A high-performance, British-made cleanroom solution that is quick, reliable and long-lasting, yet retains the same intellectual property and high-quality make-up of a standard Guardtech modular system.

“If this sounds like something your business needs, please do get in touch – or come visit our Cleancube Maxi Showroom in Suffolk.”

For more information on Cleancube, visit www.cleancube.co.uk. For more details on the Guardtech Group’s products and services, call 0330 113 0303, email sales@guardtech.com or visit www.guardtech.com.

Space East are happy to announce the launch of the third Connected Capability Network (CCN), named CySpace, funded by the Satellite Applications Catapult, this week at DefenceSpace24 hosted by the Air and Space Power Association (ASPA).

This initiative, led by the Space West Cluster and set to run for a two-year pilot phase, focuses on enhancing the UK’s Space Domain Awareness capabilities while incorporating aspects of Cybersecurity. It aims to connect and engage both space and non-space communities across the UK, benefiting the UK Space Ecosystem by fostering collaboration and contributing to a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

Ultimately, this network will support the objectives outlined in the UK Space Agency’s National Space Strategy.

Key consortium partners alongside Space West and Space East include:

• Frazer-Nash Consultancy
• Space South Central
• North West Space Cluster
• Harwell Space Cluster
• Space North East England
• Space Wales
• Northern Ireland Space

Registration is now open for the European Astro Pi Challenge 2024/25! The Astro Pi Challenge, an ESA Education project run in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, offers young people the incredible opportunity to write computer programs that will run in space.

Young people can take part in two exciting missions for beginners and more experienced coders. They send their code to run on special Raspberry Pi computers, called Astro Pis, on board the International Space Station (ISS). Read more about the challenge here.

Caption: The Astro Pi computers in the WORF window on the International Space Station. Credit: ESA/NASA

If you have a few minutes to complete this survey it would be much appreciated.  Coordinated by BryceTech, on behalf of the UK Space Agency, the survey is looking to collect insights and evidence into the impact and benefits space clusters have on organisations and the wider space ecosystem.

As part of this research, you are invited to participate in a short 15 minute survey to provide your feedback using the link below:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NMJW_SED_Stakeholder/

Your feedback will be analysed by BryceTech, and only anonymised or aggregated outputs of this analysis will be shared with UKSA and the space cluster.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Hoping this helps to join some of the dots, highlighting some of the businesses, innovation and enterprise hubs, research & skills and logistics hubs across Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

The Unlocking Space for Investment (USI) Team is excited to announce the launch of the UKSA Business Pathway of our Unlocking Space for Investment programme that will support UK businesses in the space sector preparing for series A+ institutional investment. This is following a successful pilot programme last year.

USI would like to invite you to take part in an exclusive, fully-funded programme, supporting space sector businesses / businesses looking to move into the space sector. To make the most of this opportunity, apply in just 10 minutes here.

What is the USI Business Pathway Programme?

This programme will help you; craft the right materials to get you pitch ready, develop skills in how to position and pitch your business to an investor, network with investors who are ready to invest in seed-series B businesses and set you up to secure future investment. This includes:

• 4x three hour Virtual Masterclasses providing space-centric materials on topics such as being investor ready, finance and due diligence, market sizing and valuations, Deal execution, preparing for exit and pitch deck development

• 2x four hour In-person workshops offering insight into effectively leading your business through the investment process from sales to investor negotiations, recruiting space talent and pitch preparation

• 1:1 coaching surgeries giving you exclusive access to a broad range of subject matter experts from corporate finance to commercial strategy to answer questions related to your business

• An immersive pitch day giving you the opportunity to present your business to a group of institutional investors who are ready to invest in the space sector

When does it start?

Two cohorts will be running which will last for seven weeks each. You will join either the first or the second cohort.

• The first cohort will commence on 7th October 2024 and,

• The second cohort will commence on 6^th January 2025

How to apply

If you are interested in joining this programme and unlocking investment opportunities in the space sector, please use the following link to apply. For more information please visit the Unlocking Space for Investment launch page here.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the USI team at USI@ukspaceagency.gov.uk if you have any questions or visit their website for more information.

Member Spotlight – welcome to the Cluster Cranfield University!

Cranfield University is the UK’s premier research intensive postgraduate university uniquely owning and operating its own research airport and for over 75 years has been working closely for the aerospace and aviation sectors providing world class research.  For over 35 years the university has also been the UK’s largest provider of Space and Astronautics postgraduate teaching having contributed to the education of a complete generation of now middle and senior management executives within the Space sector. Underpinning the teaching has been a track record of space research and innovation that has helped to support a greater understanding of space and its gradual commercialisation.

Now specialising in four major space research strands that are driven by business need the university is involved in multiple collaborative research programmes across the sector;

• Digital Space Services – Sat Comms, PNT, EO.
• Operating in Space – IOSM, Robotics, Autonomy, Manufacturing in Space
• Space Propulsion – Chemical VLEO, Electro thrustors
• Space Awareness – SDA, Space Sustainability, Deorbiting

By way of illustration a couple of examples of the research undertaken within the above strands are;

Design and construction of satellite de-orbiting sails. The Icarus-1 sail was successfully deployed on board the SSTL owned TechDemoSat-1 satellite when it came to the end of its mission, see the image below. This capability is of course now very much part of the sustainability in space agenda promoted by ESA and others through the Zero Debris Charter and the recently announced Green Agenda

Manufacturing on the ISS. A critical part of being able to operate in space is being able to sustainably manufacture in space. Teams from the university’s manufacturing group have been contributing to the development of the first in-orbit metal 3D printer on board the International Space Station led by Airbus Defence and Space.  The microwave size additive manufacturing cell, fuelled by high-powered lasers, is creating a greater understand how both the manufacturing technique and the metal itself are affected by the microgravity environment.

Cranfield is proud that these projects and many others like them are directly supporting in-space capability for the benefit of industry and ultimately all of us. The university is

looking forward to working with all the partners in Space East in supporting the growth of the space economy, particularly in our region, through the provision of the expertise and development facilities that it has at its disposal.

For further information please contact;  Dr Adrian Cole, Strategic Partnership Manager, a.c.cole@cranfield.ac.uk

Credit: Nick South and Shivansh Dhasmana, AA Thornton.

The rapid evolution of space technologies, from commercial activities on the International Space Station (ISS) to future settlements on the Moon and Mars, underscores the critical need for robust IP protection strategies both to incentivise and reward technological developments. While IP laws on Earth are well-defined, offering clarity and security for inventors and owners, the jurisdictional boundaries in space could be more precise, raising questions about ownership, rights and governance.

Unlike traditional terrestrial technologies, the unique challenges of enforcing intellectual property in space technologies require not only an understanding of the technical nature of the inventions but also the legal frameworks governing space. This involvement of multiple jurisdictions and operations in complex environments highlights the crucial role of expertise in this field.

The cornerstone of international space law is the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which asserts that space and celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation. However, objects launched into space remain under the jurisdiction of the country where they are registered. This raises important considerations for IP protection: if a space object is registered in the UK, do UK IP rights cover that object in space?

Given the complex jurisdictional issues in space, companies developing space technologies must adopt a multi-jurisdictional IP strategy. This strategy may involve seeking IP protection in multiple countries, especially those actively engaged in space activities or where potential competitors may operate, and is a key step in protecting innovations. As part of this strategy, it may be prudent to consider obtaining protection in countries where the technology could be used, licensed or developed by third parties. For space-based inventions, additional factors include where the invention will be launched, the terrestrial components involved and the applicable laws for objects already in space.

Enforcing IP rights for space-based inventions is a formidable task, laden with the unique challenges of establishing infringement in the vast expanse of space. For instance, UK patent law defines infringement to include the acts of making, using or importing a patented product within the UK without permission. This is straightforward for objects manufactured in the UK and later launched into space but more complex for inventions that form a patented system when they are in orbit. The physical distance and international nature of space activities make monitoring and enforcing IP rights challenging. For example, identifying and proving that an invention is being used unlawfully on a space station or satellite requires sophisticated tracking and legal strategies.

Trade Secrets or Patents?

Trade secrets and contractual agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), offer one way to protect space-based inventions. These methods can keep sensitive information confidential without requiring public disclosure. Trade secrets can remain protected indefinitely if the information remains secret and continues to provide a competitive advantage. This can be particularly useful when public disclosure through the patent process is undesirable. Ensuring that robust confidentiality agreements bind employees, contractors and other partners can help safeguard sensitive information.

However, trade secrets come with significant risks. If a trade secret is disclosed intentionally or accidentally, it loses its protection. Additionally, enforcing confidentiality across multiple parties in a space mission can be challenging. The involvement of multiple countries and private entities in space missions complicates jurisdictional claims and enforcement mechanisms.

In contrast, patents provide several key benefits; in particular, they grant exclusive rights to inventors, allowing them to prevent others from making, using or selling their inventions within the jurisdictions where the patents are granted. Once a patent is granted, it protects the invention even if others independently develop the same technology. This legal protection may be important in space technology’s competitive and high-stakes environment, particularly where innovations are often groundbreaking, and the risk of independent development is high.

The process of obtaining a patent involves the public disclosure of the invention, which can demonstrate a company’s innovative capabilities and attract investors. This transparency can help establish credibility and trust in the market. Patents, as commercial assets, not only provide security for investments but also serve as a beacon for potential investors, thereby enabling licensing opportunities and crucial funding for commercialising space technologies.

In this complex field, it is critical to adopt an IP strategy that provides protection appropriate to the circumstances, and helps to ensure commercial success for innovators.

Member Spotlight – Astro Dynamic have recently joined the Space East Cluster and we are pleased to share their first article for our newsletter, thanks Astro Dynamic! Credit Stuart Ryan Allan (Founder).

Space exploration and utilisation suffer from numerous misconceptions, often stemming from poor communication, oversimplification, and media misrepresentation. These misunderstandings have significantly impacted space operations and wider market engagement. Ultimately, hindering development and shifts focus too much on quick fixes rather than long-term sustainable solutions. I wanted to explore some of these complex challenges facing the space industry by building an ecosystem focused on sustainable operations and growth.

These Common Misconceptions include.

1. “Safe” Re-entry Burn-up: Contrary to popular belief, satellite re-entry is not entirely “safe.” While larger debris may not hit populated areas, the materials of a satellite are aerosolized and spread into the upper atmosphere, potentially affecting the global environment.
2. The Myth of “Unused” Orbits and Space Debris: With the rapid development of space technology, particularly in Low Earth Orbits (LEO), the notion of safe, unused orbits is becoming unsustainable. Space is increasingly crowded, presenting new challenges for satellite operators and space traffic management with the ever-increasing number of debris left behind.
3. Universal Access to Space: The idea that space is accessible to everyone oversimplifies the complex reality. Accessing space resources involves navigating intricate legislation, security concerns, and regulatory obligations on a global scale.

As customer market engagement has always been a huge driving factor of development and innovation, Universal Access to Space is where I decided to focus myself. Equally, it is an often looked over area ripe for novel solutions. This led to a deep dive into the black hole of data legislation. Simply put it was a supplier relations nightmare with risks, financial and legal, not just for the customers but also the suppliers and service providers as well. This is where I saw a real opportunity to innovate, by not only streamlining and improving on these processes, but provide value back to the suppliers in market insights on what consumers want. So began the journey to establish Astro Dynamic.

Market Engagement

The complexity of accessing space-based services, particularly Earth Observation Data, is a major barrier to adopters. Unlike simple terrestrial transactions, space data acquisition involves:

• Data export and import controls.
• Security checks.
• Considerations of data types intended use, and resolution.
• Sensor type and spectrum usage.
• Complex pricing plans.
• Transaction and supplier assurance.

Furthermore, the need for frequent data updates often requires engaging with multiple suppliers, each with their own set of requirements and checks.

The Path Forward

Astro Dynamic has been focusing our efforts on developing a platform we call ‘Data Sphere,’ designed from the ground up to address the complex challenges in the space data market. This innovative solution aims to create a unified marketplace for consumers and suppliers of Earth Observation data, streamlining the entire process from acquisition to utilization.

Key Features of Data Sphere include.

1. Automated Compliance: The platform handles supplier assurance, regulatory requirements, legal obligations, and transactional processes automatically, significantly reducing barriers to entry.
2. Impartiality: Astro Dynamic does not compete with suppliers on the platform, allowing data providers, processors, and analytic developers to operate freely and engage directly with consumers.
3. Non-discriminatory Access: All data suppliers are treated equally, with no prioritization of one provider over another.
4. Streamlined Transactions: The platform simplifies the process of acquiring space-based data, making it as straightforward as everyday purchases.
5. Quality Feedback and Market Trends: Data Sphere incorporates a robust feedback system, allowing consumers to rate and review the quality of data supplied. This feature not only helps maintain high standards but also provides valuable insights into market trends and user preferences, guiding suppliers in improving their offerings and helping consumers make informed decisions.

Empowering the Space Data Ecosystem

By focusing on the transactional aspects of data acquisition and incorporating quality feedback mechanisms, Astro Dynamic is addressing critical needs in the rapidly growing space data market. The potential for real-time data access to positively impact humanity is immense, but it can only be fully realized if the engagement process is seamless, efficient, and quality-driven.

Simplifying the complex web of regulations, security checks, and supplier interactions, while also providing valuable market insights, Data Sphere provides a streamlined managed alternative to the current acquisition solutions. As overhead complexity grows with the rapid pace of this market, Data Sphere is a crucial tool for unlocking the full potential of Earth Observation data for the benefit of industries, researchers, and public bodies alike.