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.

 
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."
 
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.”