In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing

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Accessing space has never been easier.

The Catapult’s In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) Facility is at the forefront of the UK’s robotics, manufacturing, in-orbit operations, and space sustainability sectors. Our team can support you in developing your in-space products, services, and solutions, through our knowledge and experience as well as specialist facilities and equipment.

Our purpose-built facility to verify, validate and demonstrate future in-orbit operations covers a wide range of capabilities including manufacturing, servicing, inspection, repair, and assembly. The key features of this facility are state-of-the-art in-orbit simulation robots complete with digital twin capabilities, gravity off-load, contact dynamics and advanced additive manufacturing.

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

ISAM Capabilities

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 and a gravity-offload system to simulate a microgravity environment.

A robotic arm and metal apparatus are in a dark room with industrial equipment and shadows.

RPO Facility

Specifications and capabilities include:

Force/Torque sensors
Pair of universal robots (10kg) with end effectors
150kg payload (6x6x5 m) gravity offload system
Contact Dynamics
Dynamic Orbital Lighting System
Dedicated Control & Server Rooms
Digital Twin with VR Headset and Direct Robot Programming via VR headset
ROS Programming and Simulation Environment
End Effectors (space craft mock-up, CubeSat chassis)
HD Projector and High Intensity Light Source
34 Vicon motion tracking cameras and real-time feedback
Track ~17m servo driven
Track mounted 120kg payload/2.7m reach
Floor mounted 120kg payload/2.7m reach

Two robotic arms with QR codes, and dual monitors displaying their interface and camera views in a lab setting.

Robot Lab

Specifications and capabilities include:

2x UR10e Robot Manipulators
Configurable Actuation and Sensing
12.5kg Payloads
Autonomous Servicing
Robotic Assembly
Haptics and VR
Full ROS2 integration

Control Room

Our Control Room now offers full remote operation of the RPO Facility activities. This advancement enhances both safety and efficiency, while also enabling a federated facilities model—allowing distributed teams to collaborate in real time, reduce operational costs, and participate from anywhere in the world.

The capabilities of the ISAM Test Facility mean 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.

Read about the future of the ISAM Yard

Supporting Innovation

We want to work with you

Serving your needs to create your innovation for an economy beyond Earth – helping to grow your business, develop your product or service, and support your team with technical expertise.

Gallery

A high-tech lab with robotic equipment, black walls, and overhead lighting.

A robotic arm holds a large metal ring structure in a dark industrial room with various equipment.

A robotic arm in a laboratory with tracks on the floor and various control equipment mounted on the walls.

A robotic arm operates near a large metal frame structure in an industrial setting.

Two industrial robotic arms operate in a dark lab; one holds a circular metal frame suspended in the air.

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 dimly lit industrial setting with a rail system and bright light in the background.

Robotic arms in a dimly lit industrial setting with cables and machinery.

Robotic arm handling a shiny, gold-colored box in an industrial setting.

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

A robotic arm against a blue, digital network background with connecting lines and dots.

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

Discover our Facilities

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Antenna and RF Testing

Drone Test and Development Centre

Person in lab coat and gloves operates industrial equipment in a sterile room.

ESRI Award Winner 2025