European Space Agency (ESA) and the Satellite Applications Catapult have partnered to deliver the Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Accelerator as part of the Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN).
The Accelerator generates and co-invests in commercial projects developing breakthrough advanced materials and manufacturing solutions using in-orbit R&D and microgravity engineering platforms.
Image credit: NASA
Segments of interest for the Accelerator
In-Orbit Testing and Demonstration
Testing and qualification of new materials, components, and sub-systems.
Microgravity R&D and Engineering
Cutting-edge microgravity R&D on speciality chemicals, novel materials, and processing technologies. E.g., space-grade semi-conductors, optical fibres.
Onboard R&D Hardware and Facilities
Multi-purpose in-orbit R&D and production facilities for materials and manufacturing. E.g., furnaces, combustion reactors, 3D printers, thin film deposition facilities, etc.
In-Orbit Service, Assembly, and Manufacturing
Manufacturing of large structures for enabling new in-orbit infrastructures. Innovative utilisation of in-space manufacturing in enabling new or enhancing existing applications.
The BSGN Industry Accelerator supports individual enterprises from small, agile start-ups through to organisations looking to mature and scale their ideas toward commercial success, all while growing a thriving eco-system to service increased interest in the in-orbit economy.
How can the Accelerator drive your success?
Accelerator Services:
Advance Technologies: Leveraging ESA funding to fast-track cutting-edge technologies for space-based R&D and providing technical and financial support to bring high-potential innovations from concept to market.
Develop the Innovation Pipeline: The Accelerator partners growing businesses with industries and multinational corporations to support them as they navigate, identify and harness the unique potentials of microgravity to develop superior product innovations within their portfolios.
Link Your Organisation with ESA: The Accelerator brings organisations into the realm of ESA’s space exploration and commercialisation programmes and promotes collaboration to drive advances in space-based technologies.
Raise Awareness and Catalyse Growth: Networking and knowledge transfer together with promotion of your organisation to the space and adjacent sectors globally.
What is the Accelerator’s focus?
Space has delivered solutions that have established global telecommunications, provided Earth observation, and facilitated leaps in discovery. But today we are just beginning to embark on a new Space Age, where commercial opportunities abound and will be taken by those who will boldly lead the way.
ESA has identified key technologies to be developed through its Accelerator programme, including the research and development in microgravity of advanced materials and products, including pharma, bio science, and semiconductors. The opportunities in this area are not limited to the largest businesses: the unique traits of smaller organisations, including agility, ingenuity, and energy are highly valued when seeking the solutions that will make the dream of an on-orbit economy a reality.
Phase 1
In 2023, the first organisations welcomed into the BSGN programme were Dcubed and Photocentric.
Dcubed set out to solve the challenges of deploying satellite solar arrays. Their novel solution includes adoption of in-space manufacturing in the production of highly compact and modular solar arrays for the small satellite industry and Lower Earth Orbit transportation vehicles.
Image credit: NASA
In 2023, a collaboration with Solestial, also space energy specialists, delivered the first in-space manufactured solar array prototype.
Since, the Dcubed team has grown to more than 30 employees, occupying over 1000 sqm of office and production space. Learn more about Dcubed here.
Photocentric have applied their 3D printing expertise to overcome logistical challenges faced when operating in space. The LCD-based CosmicMaker™ printer has been designed to operate in microgravity to create high quality parts ‘on-demand’ in space to significantly reduce the inventory of parts shipped to and held aboard an orbiting spacecraft.
The ultra compact CosmicMaker™ can ‘print’ space grade parts in plastic, ceramic, and silicon carbide (SiC) for use in a wide range of non-critical and critical applications including thermal management, radiation shielding, electronic components, astronaut equipment, and structural parts.
CosmicMaker™ is an evolving platform of capabilities intended for in-space R&D and production services for both space and industrial users.
Click here for a video about Photocentric and the BSGN.
Phase 2 of the Accelerator will be announced in early 2025, and we will welcome applications for innovative approaches to drive forward sustainable commercial development of near-Earth orbit, particularly where you can help unlock the benefits of space to non-space organisations.
Successful applicants will benefit from tailored advisory support, helping to strengthen their business cases and de-risk their technology development plans. The Accelerator could also co-fund hardware development and in-orbit demonstrations, providing critical resources to advance their innovations and achieving higher levels of Technology Readiness.
