Beyond Earth
ISAM
In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
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WHAT IS ISAM?
In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) covers a range of activities focusing on in-space capabilities. The Catapult’s Access to Space team is leading our ISAM capabilities with experts in the areas of robotics, manufacturing, in-orbit operations, and much more. We are keen to work with you on developing your in-space products, services, and solutions, through our knowledge and experience as well as specialist facilities and equipment.
THE STORY SO FAR
The space economy in the UK is advancing rapidly and we are well-placed to become a global leader in the emerging In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) segment.
The development of national facilities such as the Catapult’s ISAM testing facility at Westcott Space Cluster will help ensure that the UK secures global market share.
The ISAM Testing Facility was built in 2022 and includes a robotics yard to support the testing of in-orbit commercial space applications such as assembly, repair, refuelling and inspection.
In 2024, the UK Space Agency set out to invest in work that aims to prolong the life of satellites and ensure that space remains sustainable for future generations. This included a £2 million upgrade to the Catapult’s ISAM testing facility which will became the first in the UK capable of verification, validation, and demonstration of in-orbit operations.
Since establishing the ISAM testing facility, the Catapult has held a leading position in supporting ISAM activities within the UK. Enhancing and expanding the facility has leveraged our existing in-house ISAM expertise and further supports the flourishing space ecosystem at Westcott Space Cluster.
The 2024/25 upgrade project has delivered increased versatility, extra capacity, enhanced productivity, and a more realistic orbital environment at our testing facility. It allows us to better support innovators to de-risk their in-orbit flight technology and to build a safety case for operator licensing of close proximity operations.
The investment from UK Space Agency enables our ISAM testing facility to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of the UK space sector in supporting the anticipated growth of in-orbit technologies and mission validation. This unique facility is playing a key role in developing the UK’s ISAM sector, enabling UK businesses to develop new ISAM products and services with a worldwide impact.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The project developed several capability areas, both new and enhanced, supporting innovators to de-risk their in-orbit flight technology and to build a safety case for operator licensing of Close Proximity Operations (CPO) activities. The upgrades included:
- acquisition of larger spacecraft models and industry standard capture and docking devices to improve realism;
- reconfiguration of the current facility to provide a greater working range;
- installation of an automated lighting system (that simulates the rapidly changing lighting conditions found in orbit);
- improved dynamic tracking and updating of the position of the existing robots to improve testing accuracy;
- greater integration of the test facility control room;
- provision of a gravity off-load (GOL) system to simulate the effects of contact between space craft in a micro-gravity environment and
- development of advanced simulation environments allowing virtual testing to be carried out
The outcome of these upgrades is a world-class ISAM testing facility ready to support the space sector as it develops in-orbit technologies and procedures that will enable the new space economy to grow and thrive.
ALIGNMENT WITH THE NATIONAL SPACE STRATEGY AND OTHER GLOBAL INITIATIVES
Demand for space provided services is increasing rapidly for both commercial and scientific applications, including:
Large space structures, assembled in-orbit, will be made feasible by the significantly reduced launch costs and much larger launchers coming online.
UK Government’s Net Zero strategy supporting the development of space based solar power
Return to the Moon initiatives in development across space agencies and commercial companies globally.
Emerging potential for micro-gravity factories, delivering in-orbit manufacturing of high-performance materials such as defect free semi-conductors.
Additionally, there is rising international pressure to establish sustainable behaviour norms and solutions for low earth orbit. All of the above activities promote the move away from single-use satellites and the potential to guide the direction of future internationally based programmes that maintain and enhance the UK’s leading position in the ISAM sector.
ISAM can enable a space economy where space craft are maintained and repaired, reducing risks to critical infrastructure reliant on space assets.
ISAM activities are currently performed in Earth’s orbit, but in time with collaboration across Government, Academia and Industry can provide the foundations for moving towards sustainable space infrastructures in other orbits such as the moon, Mars, and beyond.
