Westcott Space Cluster - Satellite Applications Catapult

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Logo with a red circular design and text: "Westcott Space Cluster.

Westcott Space Cluster

Overview

Building upon a legacy of over 50 years in rocket propulsion research and home to the UK’s only national rocket test facility, Westcott has evolved into a hub for cutting-edge technologies, including in-orbit servicing, advanced propulsion systems, and autonomous operations.

The Cluster is continuing to build an international reputation for supporting rocket and satellite-enabled demonstrator projects for real-world applications with companies within the space cluster focusing on propulsion, UAV development, in-orbit manufacturing, and next-generation resilient communication networks.

Key Contacts

Ian Barham

Organisation: Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership
Role: Partnerships Director

Facilities, Assets, and Academic Institutions

  • Business Incubation Centre

  • The Westcott Incubator and Accelerator Programme is a new funding opportunity delivered by the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Zone, designed to help start-up and SME companies to grow and develop at Westcott. Launching in November 2022, the programme includes two separate packages from which space-related businesses can tailor the support they require using a voucher scheme that ranges from £5,000 to £25,000. You can apply for both the Incubator and the Accelerator at the same time, as well as independently of one another.

    Find out more
  • Drone Test and Development Centre

  • The Drone Test and Development Centre offers a secure environment to test and develop drone products and services, including capabilities that will support Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS), pilot training, and remote flight operations. Westcott as a former RAF airfield without general aviation, has multiple open flying areas, no conflicting traffic, and a low residential density, making it an ideal location for unmanned specialist companies to test and develop their vehicles and sensors.

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  • Future Networks Development Centre

  • The Westcott Future Network Development Centre (FNDC) is s a joint funded venture between the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (BLEP) and the Satellite Applications Catapult, focused on resilient communications. The centre is an open and accessible UK test centre for all ITU Primitives, providing total standardised COTS testing facilities. The centre also offers 5G test and development Ofcom licences from 700Mhz to 4200Mhz and satellite and terrestrial capabilities such as fully virtualized 5G core and state of the art O-RAN deployments.

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  • In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing Facility

  • The IOSM Facility has collaboration spaces and product development labs, and will continually be developed to be the ideal place for you to innovate, test, and develop your commercial solutions. It is located in a brand new building within the Westcott Space Cluster on Westcott Venture Park, Buckinghamshire. The facility also includes robotics facilities.

    Find out more
  • MetalFAB1 Additive Manufacturing (AM) System

  • This equipment hopes to accelerate rocket propulsion manufacturing and testing at the Westcott Venture Park and has successfully been commissioned following installation by technologists from Additive Industries.

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  • National Rocket Test Centre

  • The National Space Propulsion Test Facility (NSPTF) is the only one of its kind in the UK and allows companies and academics to test state-of-the-art propulsion engines which are used to move small satellites in space. It allows new types of more sustainable propellants to be tested, such as Hydrogen Peroxide and Liquid Oxygen which are more environmentally friendly.

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Partners

  • Buckinghamshire Business First

  • Buckinghamshire Business First are a business-led, business-focused community for new, established and growing businesses across Buckinghamshire. It provides businesses in Buckinghamshire with knowledge, support and opportunities for growth. By getting involved, you join thousands of other members benefiting from our knowledge, connections, facilities, products and services.

    Find out more
  • Buckinghamshire LEP

  • The Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership is a business-led ‘partnership of equals’ between local government and the private sector, building the conditions for sustainable economic growth in the county.

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  • Patrizia (Westcott Venture Park)

  • Patrizia is as an investment and asset manager of real estate who work to create a more sustainable environment by reducing environmental harm and contributing to society in a positive way. Westcott Venture Park is owned by Patrizia.

    Find out more

Regional Strengths

For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue. For more information on the technical areas, see the Investor Launchpad Capability Brochures.

Robotic arms with cameras on tracks in a dark studio, lit from behind.
01

In-orbit servicing and manufacturing

01

In-orbit servicing and manufacturing

The In-orbit Servicing And Manufacturing (ISAM) Yard provides a unique national site for testing, validation, and integration of robotic and autonomous systems for satellite servicing, assembly, and debris.

Rocket launching into clear blue sky, leaving smoke and flames, with a water tower to the right.
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Propulsion

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Propulsion

Building on its heritage as the birthplace of UK rocket propulsion, Westcott is the UK's primary centre for propulsion R&D and testing. The Westcott Space Cluster houses cutting-edge vacuum chambers, static test stands, and dedicated test zones used by leading firms to develop and validate next-generation chemical, hybrid, and green propulsion systems – including those for lunar, Mars, and small satellite missions.

Hand holding a holographic drone projection with multiple tech schematics floating above a blurred cityscape.
03

UAVs

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UAVs

The Westcott Drone Port supports the development and testing of advanced UAV and autonomous flight systems, with support for opportunities in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), AI navigation, and last-mile delivery of space data services.

A telecommunications tower with glowing nodes and connections against a dark background.
04

Connectivity & 5G innovation

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Connectivity & 5G innovation

The site hosts one of the UK’s first 5G testbeds focused on space-enabled applications. Through partnerships with industry and academia, Westcott is leading work on integrated terrestrial-satellite networks, edge computing, and low-latency data transfer, crucial to unlocking next-generation mobility, agricultural automation, and remote infrastructure monitoring.

Current Market Focus & Opportunities

For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue.

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