LIA Aerospace is developing next-generation green propulsion systems for spacecraft.
Using environmentally friendly propellants and aiming to decarbonise the space economy, LIA is creating novel technology by partnering with ESA BIC UK, UK Space Agency and Satellite Applications Catapult.
Sharing the vision of the UK government about the future growth of the space economy as written in the National Space Strategy and being fully aligned with the Net Zero plan for 2050, LIA is fully committed to developing new and groundbreaking technologies for the future of the space business.
The first product is a solution for the last-mile delivery of satellites. Once deployed from the launch vehicle, some satellites need propulsion to get to the destination orbit.
Satellites going to Geostationary Earth Orbit can pay up to 23,000 USD/kg to get there or use a less expensive launch operation including electric propulsion. This approach comes with a maneuvering time of about 6 months. This means launching cheaper but having 6 more months of time to market for our customers.
The unique selling point of LIA is the low lead time due to COTS components, an industrial approach that makes our products at least 25% the price of the primes, 15% improved efficiency(ISP and mass ratio) due to a higher density propellant choice, and simplified logistics by using non-toxic propellants.
METCLOUD helps businesses adopt next generation, cybersecurity and cloud computing technologies to ensure that they remain secure, effective and efficient in today’s economy.
We recognise the burgeoning value of data security and seamless connectivity to facilitate effective collaboration across any business. Our multi-award winning team of experts are committed to prescribing solutions that are specifically suited for the unique needs of any business with a people-first approach.
How are planets made?
With the formation of the sun, the remaining gas and dust flattened into a rotating protoplanetary
disk. Rocks started to clash in this swirling debris, creating larger masses that quickly attracted more
material through gravity. These particles gravitationally condensed to form planetesimals, which
then collided to form the solid inner planets.
Why are some so important to earth/ space exploration?
Other planets in our solar system can teach us a lot about earth. These are a part of a unique set-up
that led to us evolving. These planets are part of an integrated system, all of which is dependent
upon all the other parts. Essentially, remove one part, the whole system collapses.
At the moment, finding earth-like planets is one of the top priorities. This is the ultimate goal for
NASA's Exoplanet Program!
What does the UK offer the space industry?
The UK’s space sector is fast growing, globally competitive, and increasingly important! It is currently
worth over £16.4 billion per year to the UK economy and employs 45,100 people. The country’s
thriving professional services can support space companies from start-ups to large primes
throughout their lifecycle. We are thriving!
How can I be a part of it?
To start with, just be interested and curious- ask questions! Google, You Tube, documentaries are
the best way to start! And with the space industry booming, so have careers in space.
What qualifications do I need.
This varies with every job role within the space industry. But to start with take as many science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classes as you can.
SaxaVord Spaceport is developing a ground station network on the island of Unst, Shetland, the UK’s most northerly location.
The ground station network will consist of an array of 1.5m to 3.7m antennas supporting satellite operations in a low earth polar and sun-synchronous orbits. The antennas will operate in a number of frequency bands ranging from UHF/VHF to S & X Band. The island will also offer ground station hosting services for third party networks which need connectivity, power and pad facilities.
SaxaVord Spaceport has partnered with the Leaf Space Ground station network to provide support to already operating satellite customers, but also to future clients that launch through the spaceport. The Leaf Space network provides SaxaVord Spaceport with a unique offering to support launch telemetry and flight termination of the launch vehicle, handling of LEOP and continued satellite down and uplink support through any of the 20+ ground stations across the world.
Space exploration helps to address fundamental questions about our place in the Universe and the history of our solar system. However today there are endless opportunities in the space sector and you don’t necessarily have to be an astronaut to have a positive impact in the space sector. There are a wide range of career paths from design, and production to sales and project management which all contribute to the accomplishments in space exploration.
Here at Gem Cable Solutions we manufacture or bespoke cable assemblies, harnesses, cabinet builds, and much more. Working on safety-critical projects including the Mars Rover we are committed to education outreach and provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities across our two sites in Hertfordshire. There are many different routes to entering the space industry however we recommend students to focus on their maths and science based subjects which are fundamental in the engineering and commercial aspects of this industry.
From my perspective, I would say that we interview lots of people that have the same qualifications (i.e. electrical engineering degrees) but what sets people apart is the people that are invested in their own personal development, as in they have taken extra courses or are looking at doing more learning. The other thing that sets people apart is their work ethic, if someone has worked during their studies or even volunteered that is always a plus.