Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • QinetiQ secures ESA contract as new facility goes live

Space

QinetiQ secures ESA contract as new facility goes live

QinetiQ’s space business has formally opened new state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and secured a new three-year contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).


Courtesy QinetiQ

The €9m contract with ESA will see QinetiQ developing a hosting facility and experiment modules, which will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in the first half of 2023. The Heat Transfer Host 2 (HOST2) facility will be operated inside the Columbus science laboratory on the ISS and will provide new scientific data and insight to optimise the performance and efficiency of heat transfer technologies.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Award of the contract coincides with the opening of QinetiQ’s new €3m cleanroom in Kruibeke in Belgium, which was formally opened by Frank de Winne, the first European ISS Commander and head of European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Designed to support the concurrent production of several satellites and docking stations, the large new facility complies with all of the stringent process specifications and requirements for the manufacture of space equipment.  It also features laboratories and innovative robotic capabilities for simulation of all possible docking scenarios between a space vehicle and the ISS.

“We’re positioned for an exciting new phase of growth,” says Jim Graham, Managing Director of QinetiQ’s Space business.  “Although we are already recognised as a world leader in electronic propulsion systems and space systems integration, we’re continuing to build on our strengths and specialist skills. The new ESA contract capitalises on our expertise in complex systems integration and the successful delivery of highly sophisticated scientific experiments in orbit. And our new cleanroom facility represents a significant investment in our space capabilities for future satellite production, ongoing developments of new subsystems and space infrastructure as well as further innovations in spacecraft docking technologies.”

A key objective of ESA’s HOST2 programme is to demonstrate that the heat transfer rate on curvilinear surfaces is significantly larger than on smooth surfaces and that more complicated surface geometry can deliver much higher levels performance. The results of the study will be of particular significance for the condenser applications of heat pipes, chillers and air-conditioners. The performance of printing technologies, nano-coatings, DNA mapping and other similar industrial applications are also expected to benefit from the scientific data obtained from HOST2.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

From initiatives in Solar Electronic Propulsion Systems and the successful development of the PROBA satellites, to pioneering programmes in the design and delivery of advanced satellite technologies, QinetiQ is one of Europe’s key space systems integrators. Working with governments, space agencies, prime contractors and SMEs, QinetiQ’s experience in the space sector spans over half a century. There are more than 250 engineers and specialist technicians in the company’s space business, which has been involved directly in over 100 space missions.

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
iCOMAT opens space manufacturing facility with £4.8m UKSA investment

Space

iCOMAT opens space manufacturing facility with £4.8m UKSA investment

16 October 2025

A groundbreaking new space manufacturing facility, supported by a £4.8 million UK Space Agency (UKSA) investment - that is expected to create 2,000 jobs - has been officially opened in Hardwicke, Gloucester, marking a significant milestone for the UK's space industry capabilities.

Viasat aligns with MIT report on in-flight connectivity performance

Aerospace Space

Viasat aligns with MIT report on in-flight connectivity performance

15 October 2025

Viasat has announced an industry-first concept for business aviation that radically changes how in-flight connectivity performance is measured, aligned with a major new report by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School.

Getac launches S510AD rugged laptop

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Getac launches S510AD rugged laptop

14 October 2025

Getac Technology Corporation (Getac) has launched its new S510AD laptop, a powerful rugged PC built around AMD RyzenTM AI processing technology, for professionals who need advanced edge-AI performance in demanding field and industrial environments.

ADS calls on Holyrood to support aerospace, defence, security and space

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS calls on Holyrood to support aerospace, defence, security and space

13 October 2025

ADS - the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space - has launched its Manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections, outlining a series of recommendations for the next five years.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
UK Space Agency gives Welsh space sector funding boost

Space

UK Space Agency gives Welsh space sector funding boost

9 October 2025

The UK Space Agency is helping to support Wales' dynamic and fast-growing space sector, with a dedicated funding boost.

Scotland set for its biggest ever space industry event

Space Events

Scotland set for its biggest ever space industry event

8 October 2025

Space-Comm have confirmed plans for the biggest ever space industry event to be held in Scotland, organised in partnership with ADS Group, with support from the UK Space Agency and Space Scotland, representing both the UK and Scottish Governments.

Advertisement
ODU RT