Space Isn’t So Hard and the BSGN Helps

Access to space is easier and less costly than ever before. This is creating new opportunities for innovative UK and European organisations to develop and advance in-space manufacturing solutions for Lower Earth Orbit to leverage the benefits of microgravity.

The Satellite Applications Catapult is the managing partner of the Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Accelerator, an initiative of the European Space Agency’s Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN). The BSGN was established to create an ecosystem of European businesses to deliver the innovative products and services that are facilitating this rapidly emerging market.

In Phase One the Accelerator supported two enterprises on their journey of developing and commercialising novel solutions for advancing the development of the in-orbit economy.

Photocentric, who can be seen in this video, are developing CosmicMaker™, a multi-user facility with an integrated LCD based, additive printing system designed for use on space stations. This system simplifies on-orbit inventories by facilitating ‘on demand’ production of space-grade technical ceramic parts, components and tools. CosmicMaker™ is an evolving platform of capabilities intended for in-space R&D and production services for both space and industrial users.

Dcubed, are an established supplier to the space sector. Based in Germany, they are adopting in-space manufacturing in the productisation of highly compact and modular solar arrays, for the small satellite industry (high volume/mass market) and LEO transportation vehicles.

Phase Two of the BSGN’s Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Accelerator will announce an open call for the next Accelerator cohort in early 2025, and if you’ve got the right stuff, we look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Space for Inspiration 4-5 December

This event will provide opportunities to learn more about the BSGN Accelerators including success to date and future plans, and benefits of the programme to existing cohorts such as Dcubed and Photocentric. A dedicated BSGN presentation on day one at 14.00, will include Hamid Soorghali of the Satellite Applications Catapult, together with Francesco Liucci of ESA, Stela Tkatchova of European Innovation Council, Angelique Verecchia of MEDES, Markus Hauser of Space Corp, and Alexander Godlewski of ESRIC.

Satellite Applications Catapult will also contribute to the In-Space Manufacturing Panel at 16:45 on the afternoon of day one, and this discussion will be moderated by the Catapult’s Mike Curtis-Rouse. The panel will feature Hamid Soorghali, Hubert Moser of Flawless Photonics, Guillaume Mohara of ArcSpace, and year one BSGN cohort members Paul Holt of Photocentric and Thomas Sinn of Dcubed.

Nasreen Dhanji, Beyond Earth Mission Lead, and Alex Goodhand, Space Manufacturing Lead will also be other representatives of Catapult at Space for Inspiration Conference.

Register for Space for Inspiration here.