As part of the UKSA funded Space Enterprise Ecosystem Development Project, the Satellite Applications Catapult and Grey Consultants are collaborating with The University of Glasgow to host a Satellite 101: Launch and Propulsion hybrid webinar.

Agenda

14.00pm - Introductory presentation by UKLSL (Dr Adam Baker)

Join Dr Adam Baker on a brief introduction to how space transportation is an increasingly large part of our worldwide transportation industry, how it enhances global connectivity, knowledge of our planet, and facilitates our outward exploration drive to understand the universe to one day reach out to the stars. A fundamental technology is space propulsion, which has been a UK strength for many decades and is now being boosted by the birth of the UK’s commercial spaceflight programme. From low thrust long lasting electric in-space propulsion, to high thrust, rapid acting but environmentally sustainable chemical launcher propulsion, come and find out about cutting edge developments aspects of launch and in space propulsion. Our guest speakers will enlighten, elaborate and possibly exhilarate you with examples from their research and commercial work, and exploring the future of space propulsion and launch vehicle solutions.

14.10pm - Example Case Study: University of Glasgow (Professor Patrick Harkness)

The James Watt School of Engineering (JWSE) at the University of Glasgow is an energetic and growing international centre of excellence for Engineering research and teaching. Research into aerospace systems is extending increasingly to space systems, including exploration technology and access to space. Deployable structures research at JWSE is enabling the most environmentally benign of all space propulsion , the solar sail. Further research in collaboration with Dnipro University in the Ukraine is testing highly controllable (throttleable) solid rocket motors, which also have the potential to consume their own structure after operation, greatly reducing the environmental impact of, for example spent rocket stages discarded at sea after a launch. UKLSL has also been supporting JWSE’s research through a collaboration with Discover Space UK and the Machrihanish spaceport at Campbeltown. 2022 saw the first tests of JWSE’s novel autophage solid rocket motor at Machrihanish, which is the UK’s premier spaceport R&D facility and the future home of game changing single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane systems.

14.25pm - Example Case Study: Skyrora (Dr. JJ Marlow)

Skyrora is a leading private launch vehicle manufacturer, aiming to meet the demand for launch services in the rapidly growing small satellite market. Skyora is developing technical solutions in both space propulsion and launch, has flown suborbital vehicles, and is planning its first orbital launch for late 2022. In 2021 Skyrora opened its large rocket development and production factory in Cumbernauld, Scotland, and in 2022 its large rocket engine test site in MidLothian. Skyrora’s roadmap aims to take its complete development cycle in house, optimise its manufacturing processes and scale up its launch vehicle production over the long term. A planned space tug using the upper stage systems modified for longer term operation in the space environment will enable payloads to be deployed into multiple orbit planes from a single launch. Skyrora are also looking for world-class talent eager to approach innovative projects that will ultimately further the development of the UK space industry

14.40pm - Q&A consisting of pre-submitted live questions
15.00pm – Networking and refreshment (In-person only)

Further information

The event will be held in The University of Glasgow’s McIntyre Building, in Room 201 at University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ.
For in-person attendees, coffee and networking will be available from 15:00pm. There will also be an opportunity to speak to the Grey Consultants and UKLSL team directly.
Getting here: Further details on the getting to the building on the day can be found here.

For those joining the workshop online, session details will be distributed in due course.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Satellite 101 Webinar: Launch and Propulsion