Access to space is easier and less costly than ever before. This is creating new opportunities for innovative UK and European organisations to develop and advance in-space manufacturing solutions for Lower Earth Orbit to leverage the benefits of microgravity.

The Satellite Applications Catapult is the managing partner of the Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Accelerator, an initiative of the European Space Agency’s Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN). The BSGN was established to create an ecosystem of European businesses to deliver the innovative products and services that are facilitating this rapidly emerging market.

In Phase One the Accelerator supported two enterprises on their journey of developing and commercialising novel solutions for advancing the development of the in-orbit economy.

Photocentric, who can be seen in this video, are developing CosmicMaker™, a multi-user facility with an integrated LCD based, additive printing system designed for use on space stations. This system simplifies on-orbit inventories by facilitating ‘on demand’ production of space-grade technical ceramic parts, components and tools. CosmicMaker™ is an evolving platform of capabilities intended for in-space R&D and production services for both space and industrial users.
Dcubed, are an established supplier to the space sector. Based in Germany, they are adopting in-space manufacturing in the productisation of highly compact and modular solar arrays, for the small satellite industry (high volume/mass market) and LEO transportation vehicles.

Phase Two of the BSGN’s Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Accelerator will announce an open call for the next Accelerator cohort in early 2025, and if you’ve got the right stuff, we look forward to hearing from you.

Successful applicants will benefit from tailored advisory support, helping to strengthen their business cases and de-risk their technology development plans. The Accelerator could also co-fund hardware development and in-orbit demonstrations, providing critical resources to advance their innovations and achieving higher levels of Technology Readinesss.