Satellite Applications Catapult Showcases the Power of Federated Development at SmallSat 2025
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Visit Us at Stand T10 | SmallSat Conference & Exhibition | Logan, Utah, USA | 10-13 August
As the global space sector grows more interconnected and complex, the Satellite Applications Catapult is championing a transformative model of collaboration: federated development and testing facilities. Ahead of its participation at the SmallSat Conference 2025 in Logan, Utah, the Catapult is spotlighting its role in the successful REALM project, a pioneering demonstration of federated simulation for in-orbit refuelling operations.
Federated facilities are networks of independently operated centres that share capabilities, data, and infrastructure. For the space sector, this model provides numerous benefits including:
- Resource Efficiency by reducing duplicated infrastructure
- Faster Innovation through distributed development
- Improved Collaboration across borders and sectors
- Scalable Growth for both startups and established players
- Global Standards promoting interoperability and trust
At the heart of the Catapult’s vision is the recently upgraded ISAM Test Facility at Westcott, Buckinghamshire. This centre now offers cutting-edge simulation environments and tools for in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), including a new gravity offload system, remote operations centre, and orbital lighting system. These upgrades enable realistic testing of proximity operations, refuelling, and docking technologies, processes and procedures.
REALM Project: A Federated Success Story
The REALM (Virtual Reality Aided Spacecraft Refuelling for IOSM Verification & Validation) project, funded by the UK Space Agency’s Enabling Technologies Programme, brought together a consortium led by GMV, including Thales Alenia Space, Satellite Applications Catapult, and Pitch Technologies.
Running from late 2023 to early 2025, REALM delivered the first-of-its-kind federated, distributed Digital Twin simulation environment. It integrated High-Level Architecture (HLA) principles, Virtual Reality, and advanced Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) systems to simulate and validate autonomous in-orbit refuelling.
While partners were based across the UK and in Madrid, Spain, the project demonstrated how federated development reduces logistical burdens, speeds up integration, and lowers project costs. Typically, hardware and software teams spend weeks on-site aligning systems for physical testing. In contrast, the REALM team performed most of the integration remotely and had robots moving within hours of arriving at the Catapult’s Westcott site.
“REALM has shown how federated development can accelerate innovation and reduce costs while maintaining technical excellence. The Catapult’s ISAM facility is now even more capable of supporting collaborative, distributed projects like this as we prepare for the future of orbital servicing,” said Jeremy Hadall, Robotic Development Lead, Satellite Applications Catapult.
REALM’s success also underlined broader benefits: immersive VR visualisation for stakeholder engagement, refined system prototyping, and new possibilities for remote training and public outreach.
