Satellite Applications Catapult Facilities and Infrastructure FAQ

The Satellite Applications Catapult provides a comprehensive suite of facilities to connect and collaborate, prototype and develop, test and validate and manufacture space payloads and satellites. The facility supports companies developing the next generation of upstream space capabilities, enabling them to be tested in the UK.

For more information or to enquire about using our facilities, please email: facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk or complete the Enquiry Form on our facilities web pages.

Booking and Access

The Satellite Applications Catapult is at the heart of the satellite services revolution, driving take-up of space technology and applications to shape, and sustain, the world of tomorrow. Our Facilities and Infrastructure lower the entry barriers to market and creates a level playing field for companies who want to create new products, applications, or services for this dynamic and fast-moving sector.

Who can access the facilities managed by the Catapult?

Catapult facilities are open to all. Access is managed via individual commercial contracts.  Our standard terms and conditions can be found here. Please connect with our facilities team (facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk) and they will support interactions with the technical teams from initial enquiry through to completed contract.

We will issue a quote and ask that you sign and return the quote agreeing to terms and conditions along with a purchase order to facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk  by a set date. Failure to return the signed quote may jeopardise the booking.

Are Catapult facilities open to users outside of the UK?

Yes. Access is managed via individual commercial contracts.

As a UK Catapult, we are especially keen to identify UK satellite applications opportunities for innovation and future impactful collaborations globally. Activity by our international team continues to support the UK’s Space Innovation and Growth Strategy to increase exports in the space enabled market

What happens if we need to change the booking dates?

We recognise that bookings may need to change to accommodate your requirements, and we aim to provide flexibility wherever possible. If the new requested dates are free, then we accommodate the change. If the dates are not free due to another customer, we will try to agree alternate dates which suit everyone. If this is not possible, then the customer who has requested a date shift will be offered the next available slot. Changing the dates for a booking is not a cancellation.

Are there cancellation charges?

No. In the unlikely event bookings are cancelled, dependant on the timing of the cancellation notice, we may ask you to reimburse any consumables we may have purchased to facilitate your booking. If this is possible (for example if the consumables are expensive or perishable) we will inform you of this when you book.

Changing the dates is not a cancellation.

Using the Facility

How do I get there?

Harwell

The Harwell Campus is well served by good rail and road connections. Further details can be found here.

• Customers and visitors are advised to use the overflow car park as we cannot guarantee parking at our building.
• If parking is available, visitors to the Catapult must complete the white paper slips and display in their cars these will be available from Catapult Reception on arrival

Electron Building

• The available car parks are either side of the Catapult Building and next door at the Atlas Building, these will service Catapult staff, Atlas staff and R103 staff
• If these carparks are full the overflow is shown below:

Zephyr Building

There are very few parking spaces available, and these are reserved for tenants of the building. If using the testing facilities, please call our reception team in advance, who can direct you to the most convenient place to unload any equipment or materials.

The overflow carpark, shown above, is approximately 15 minutes walk from the Zephyr building.

Westcott

Details of getting to the Westcott Venture Park can be found here.

Is parking available?

Yes, but parking is limited and is strictly ‘first come, first served’. You will need to inform westcottreception@sa.catapult.org.uk of your registration number before coming to site

Is there storage at the facility?

This is dependent on the facility being booked. Storage of any sort is very limited. Access to storage can be requested by customers by agreement at contract stage.

What facilities are available for customer use?

This is dependent on location.

Harwell

Electron Building – Customers are entitled to use our kitchen area which has comfortable seating and breakout areas along with microwaves and tea and coffee making facilities. Costa Coffee is also located in the Electron building.

Additional meeting rooms are available to hire.

Zephyr Building – Customers are entitled to use the small kitchen, which has a microwave, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge, and seating.

Harwell Campus has additional facilities that can be used by people accessing the site, including restaurants and an autonomous bus!

Westcott

Amenities available at Westcott Venture Park can be found here.

Do you have standard terms and conditions?

Yes. These can be found here or contact our facilities team (facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk) for more details.

Do you insure our hardware?

No, this always remains the responsibility of the customer. Anyone using the equipment should have, as a minimum, Public Liability cover for £5m and Employers Liability cover for £10m.

Can you provide catering for our event?

Yes. Please state your requirements when making the booking, including any specific dietary requirements. Please note that catering at all our sites is provided by external vendors and we will require a minimum of 72 hours notice to place an order.