Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • NMIS unveils second-stage vehicle demonstrator

Space

NMIS unveils second-stage vehicle demonstrator

A new demonstrator vehicle showcasing cutting-edge design and manufacturing innovation for space has been unveiled by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

Above: LMC team with fuel tank demo.
Courtesy NMIS

Designed by the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC) at NMIS – which is operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult – the space vehicle brings together bold ideas for future manufacturing, highlighting possibilities that could be used for future launches.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

A concentric liquid oxygen (LOX) and fuel tank will be on display, which is just one part of the centre’s overall concept. Along with the use of lightweight advanced composite materials and digital and additive manufacturing techniques, a core component of the second-stage design is its recoverability, with technology to enable a controlled de-orbit and return to Earth.

The concept has been developed as part of the Stratelite Space and Photonics project, which is part-funded by the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation.

Scotland is already at the forefront of space innovation, with Europe’s only fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, SaxaVord in Shetland, preparing for its inaugural orbital launch later this year. NMIS’s technical capabilities in next-generation manufacturing, materials and skills development mean the centre is well placed to support the growing sector with future developments.

The demonstrator builds on the work NMIS is already doing in the space market, supporting local companies and global players with solutions to some of their most complex manufacturing challenges. According to Space Scotland, the sector contributes more than £4 billion to the economy per year , with almost one-fifth of all UK jobs in the sector based in Scotland .

Professor Iain Bomphray, director of the LMC, said: “It is a particularly exciting time to be working in Scotland’s space sector, with the first launch on the horizon unlocking significant opportunities for the burgeoning ecosystem and space technology companies based here. NMIS has already been involved in a range of projects, but our new demonstrator brings all of that together, showcasing capabilities at full scale and taking a fresh approach to design and manufacturing for space with a specific focus on composites.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

“The space sector here is still in its infancy, and we need to nurture the high-growth potential startups and spinouts that are paving the way. That is where NMIS comes in, we want to support businesses to succeed through collaboration and access to expertise, research, manufacturing facilities and testing capabilities. We intend to seed new companies and play a part in growing the ecosystem.

“An understanding of the industry and its challenges underpins our capabilities and the design for the concept. The economics of space are changing, and companies are placing a greater emphasis on sustainability than ever before. That starts on the ground, with reusable designs, efficient manufacturing, ways to reduce waste, eliminate space debris and build a greener space economy.”

In a typical multistage rocket, the first stage is designed to propel the vehicle upwards, while the second stage is responsible for accelerating the payload to its final orbital velocity. SpaceX was the first to successfully recover a first-stage space vehicle in 2015, rather than designing it to burn on re-entry. However, second stages are not yet recoverable in the same way, with the remains typically staying in orbit.

Extra elements required for re-entry and landing – such as heat shields, deceleration mechanisms and stability systems – can add significant weight to a space vehicle, but the design of the demonstrator is an example of how NMIS is challenging convention and pushing boundaries to showcase its capabilities as a research partner.

Iain added: “Using novel composite materials, we can aim to make space vehicles lighter to offset additional functionality and maintain payload capacity. Steel and aluminium have been the most widely used materials so far, but drawing upon techniques used in the construction of F1 cars, we have explored new ways to integrate composites into spacecraft design. A recoverable second stage could enable spacecraft to make better use of the energy expended in reaching orbit, allowing for additional functions such as satellite servicing before re-entry.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB
UK and Sweden join the LOFAR ERIC

Space

UK and Sweden join the LOFAR ERIC

2 May 2025

The UK, along with Sweden, has joined the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope project - governed by the LOFAR European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) - as full members after many years as collaborative partners.

Fredo the Unstronaut launched

Space

Fredo the Unstronaut launched

2 May 2025

SaxaVord Spaceport has officially launched 'Fredo the Unstronaut' today, an animated character-driven educational initiative designed to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts.

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

1 May 2025

A new facility using cutting edge electron beam technology to build the next generation of semiconductor chips - and the first of its kind in Europe - was opened yesterday at the University of Southampton by Science Minister Lord Vallance.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems and NEXT Semiconductor Technologies to advance space ready chips

Space

BAE Systems and NEXT Semiconductor Technologies to advance space ready chips

1 May 2025

NEXT Semiconductor Technologies is collaborating with BAE Systems to accelerate the insertion of its latest ultra-wideband antenna processor units (APUs) into high-performing radiation-hardened electronic subsystems to support future space missions.

British-built Biomass satellite launched

Space

British-built Biomass satellite launched

29 April 2025

The Biomass Earth observation satellite developed by British academics and engineers - set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth's forests in 3D from space - launched today.

Advertisement
ODU RT