ISAM Test Facility - Satellite Applications Catapult
Robotic arms and cameras in a dark studio with black walls and equipment.

ISAM Test Facility

Location: Westcott, Buckinghamshire

The ISAM Test Facility is a state-of-the-art facility for testing close-proximity operations and in-orbit servicing technologies. The facility provides users with a dynamic platform to validate their technologies prior to launch using robotic equipment to simulate a microgravity environment.

One robot is fixed to the floor and the second robot is mounted on a 17m travel track, allowing for simulation of approach and docking manoeuvres with large payloads (up to 120 kg). With tracking systems and advanced motion control, the system can achieve high levels of accuracy and repeatability allowing representative mission testing to be carried out.

Download our ISAM Test Facility Brochure >>

Get in touch with our team – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk

Specifications and capabilities include:

Floor mounted 120kg payload/2.7m reach

Track mounted 120kg payload/2.7m reach

Track ~17m servo driven

Collaborative robot (10kg) & end effector

Motion Capture & Real-Time Feedback

HD Projector and High Intensity Light Source

Force/Torque sensors

End Effectors (space craft mock-up, CubeSat chassis)

ROS Programming and Simulation Environment

Digital Twin with VR Headset and Direct Robot Programming via VR headset

Dedicated Control & Server Rooms

Robotic arms in an industrial facility with a black and gray color scheme, equipped with tracks and cables.

Technologies that could be validated on the system include guidance sensors & software, docking mechanisms and servicing robots.

Located at Westcott Venture Park, the capabilities of the ISAM Test Facility means you can test your products for space without having to leave Earth. The Catapult’s ISAM team is leading our In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 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.

Read more about the future of the IOSM Yard

Find out more about our Robotics capabilities

Robotic arms in a dark room with cameras and equipment.

Get in touch

We can help you identify where you are on your development journey, connect you with industry experts, and highlight relevant equipment – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk

Gallery

Robotic arm handling a shiny, gold-colored box in an industrial setting.
Robotic arms on tracks inside a dimly lit industrial facility with wiring and mechanical components visible.
Industrial robotic arms positioned on a track in a dimly lit room.
Two robotic arms in a dark industrial environment, each holding equipment on a rail system.
Robotic arms in a dimly lit industrial setting with cables and machinery.
Robotic arms in a dimly lit industrial setting with a rail system and bright light in the background.
A large robotic arm in a dimly lit room with camera equipment mounted on walls and a long sliding track on the floor.
Robotic arms in a dimly lit studio with bright lights and equipment.
Robotic arms in a dark room with cameras and equipment.

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Contact Our Team