The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) have combined expertise to build a new national centre, the Small Satellite Calibration Facility.
The new national centre will be used for testing and calibrating instruments on small, cube and nano satellites.
Era of ‘new space’
In the era of ‘new space’, a growing number of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are venturing into the development of small satellite instruments for diverse Earth observation applications.
Calibrating sensors for these applications is vital to ensure the accuracy and utility of data collected in orbit.
While large satellite missions and programmes might invest in bespoke calibration solutions, this would present a significant barrier for smaller companies.
Many of these companies lack the capacity, budget or expertise to develop their own calibration testing facilities.
Empower start-ups and SMEs
Supported by experts from RAL Space and NPL, the Small Satellite Calibration Facility is based among RAL Space’s existing facilities on Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire.
The site is already a bustling campus of over 100 local and international space organisations.
This new facility is set to empower start-ups and SMEs by providing access to world-leading calibration services at short notice and a fraction of the cost.
This initiative not only lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring space companies but also gives them a competitive edge through enhanced data quality and more reliable missions.
Help solve global challenges
The Small Satellite Calibration Facility forms part of the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s £200 million Earth observation investment package announced in 2022.
It will build on existing RAL Space and NPL programmes that support the UK’s thriving Earth observation sector.
It will focus on how Earth observation technology and data can help solve global challenges such as climate change.
Ultimately, this facility will further boost the UK’s thriving Earth observation sector, supporting critical data that helps us monitor and protect our planet.
Ensuring small space companies get the best data
Dr Dan Peters, STFC RAL Space Technical Lead for the Small Satellite Calibration Facility, said:
RAL Space is excited to be working with NPL on this new facility, and to hear from small space companies about how we can support to ensure they’re getting the best possible data from their instruments.
Ensuring these instruments are calibrated effectively means we can be confident in the information they send back to us on Earth, helping us make better decisions about our planet.
Strengthen the UK’s position in the Earth observation sector
Mr Christopher Baker, NPL Technical Lead for the Small Satellite Calibration Facility, said:
By working together on the SSCF, RAL Space and NPL combine our complementary expertise.
This collaboration allows us to offer world-class calibration services to enhance data quality and mission reliability, lower barriers to entry for new space companies, and strengthen the UK’s position in the Earth observation sector.
If you have any questions about the facility email: sscfenquiriesralnpl@stfc.ac.uk
Top image: Space Calibration Cryostat at the Small Satellite Calibration Facility. Credit: STFC