Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Orbex helps fuel NMIS research

Space

Orbex helps fuel NMIS research

Orbex has made a significant contribution to sustainable manufacturing by donating a large amount of carbon fibre to the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS) and Ayrshire College.

Image courtesy Orbex
 
Carbon fibre is a high-performance material widely used in cutting-edge fields like aerospace and civil engineering and can be used for research in a range of subjects from advanced manufacturing to nanotechnology.
 
NMIS will use the donated carbon fibre in its Stratallite Project, a collaborative initiative aimed at developing lightweight, high-altitude platforms for satellite communications. The project involves partners from industry and academia working together to create more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes. The carbon fibre will play a crucial role in the development of these high-performance platforms, which require materials that are both strong and lightweight.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2

 
Ayrshire College will use the donation to train students in how to make composite panels in its aeronautics courses. This material is set to benefit a total of 120 students training to be performance engineers as well as 40 apprentices.  The carbon fibre was transported to the college in Ayr in August and will be kept in the freezer for the students to get their hands on when they return in the new academic year.
 
By donating this material, Orbex is not only enabling new technological advancements but also helping to prevent the carbon fibre from ending up in landfill - a critical environmental consideration given the limited methods currently available for its disposal.
 
Phil Chambers, CEO at Orbex, said: "At Orbex, we’re dedicated to finding ways to minimise our environmental footprint while supporting innovation in the industries we work alongside. Our partnerships allow us to contribute to important research that could lead to more sustainable practices in manufacturing, and we're proud to play a role in that."
Advertisement
ODU RT 2

 
Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch said: "This donation from Orbex exemplifies the strong partnerships between industry and education we have in the UK space sector, as well as a commitment to sustainability. By enabling students and researchers to work with cutting-edge composites like carbon fibre, Orbex is helping to cultivate the talent and innovation necessary for the UK to lead in satellite launch and advanced manufacturing, ensuring a vibrant future for our space sector."
 
Carbon fibre, known for its strength and lightweight properties, is a key material in the aerospace industry. Orbex uses carbon fibre in the production of structures and fuel tanks for its Prime rocket, an environmentally sustainable launch vehicle designed to deliver small satellites into orbit. The material’s ability to withstand the harsh conditions of Earth's atmosphere and space makes it ideal for such applications.
 
This donation marks the continuation of Orbex’s collaboration with NMIS, which previously supplied similar materials to the University of Strathclyde for research purposes. Through these partnerships, Orbex is contributing to the broader goals of sustainable manufacturing and environmental stewardship in Scotland and beyond.

Iain Bomphray, Director of the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre at NMIS, said: “This generous donation from Orbex is a significant boost to our work on the Stratallite Project. The carbon fibre will enable us to push the boundaries of what is possible in lightweight, sustainable manufacturing. By working closely with industry leaders like Orbex, we can accelerate the development of advanced materials and processes that have a lasting positive impact on both the manufacturing sector and the environment.'"
 
Alistair Herron, Head of Learning and skills Aerospace at Ayrshire Collage, said: “I would like to express my gratitude to Orbex for this kind donation.  Having materials that are used by important companies like Orbex are really special to our students as they are being given the opportunity to have hands-on experience.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Serco awarded ESA contract to support ASCEND

Space

Serco awarded ESA contract to support ASCEND

6 November 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Serco a two-year contract to deliver IT service support to the ASCEND (Advanced Data Access and Processing Services for Collaborative Earth Observation Ground Segment) project.

Next-gen space materials head for ISS

Space

Next-gen space materials head for ISS

5 November 2024

At 2.29am today, 'next-generation' space materials developed by UK scientists blasted off from Earth on a Space X rocket, heading to the International Space Station (ISS) to undergo testing, which could be used for space bases and interplanetary travel.

Serco to support ESA

Space

Serco to support ESA's D/EOP

4 November 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Serco a two-year contract for supporting the Business Unit Controlling Office and the Project Management Support Office for the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).

SSTL

Defence Space

SSTL's Juno satellite procured by DE&S for advanced military tech

4 November 2024

UK Armed Forces personnel are to have access to the latest space technology for military operations, following a contract procured by Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) for a new satellite from Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).

Advertisement
ADS S &P RT
UK satellite set to enhance maritime security

Security Space

UK satellite set to enhance maritime security

4 November 2024

The UK Space Agency has announced that a satellite developed by Horizon Technologies, has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) and is on schedule for launch in mid-2025.

Goonhilly to boost deep space comms capacity

Space

Goonhilly to boost deep space comms capacity

1 November 2024

Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd (Goonhilly) will provide deep space communications services to the UK Space Agency and international partners from its satellite Earth station in Cornwall, under a new contract announced at last month's International Astronautical Congress in Milan.

Advertisement
ADS S &P RT