Astroscale Opens Zeus Satellite Manufacturing Facility
Astroscale Limited has opened its new Zeus satellite manufacturing and operations facilities at the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire where it plans to build the first commercial space debris removal spacecraft.
“The UK is leading efforts to make space more sustainable and we’re backing companies, such as Astroscale, to design innovative new missions to clear hazardous space junk."
Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency.
The UK space industry is growing rapidly, quadrupling in size since 2000, and with ambitious growth plans over the next 10 years. The Zeus satellite manufacturing facility will enable Astroscale to build space debris removal servicer satellites, and rapidly develop their commercial offering in the coming years, helping to further contribute to the growth, innovation, and manufacturing potential of the UK space sector.
The move from Astroscale’s previous premises to the new Zeus satellite manufacturing facility marks a 900% increase in space, covering approximately 20,000 square feet to accommodate a high specification satellite manufacturing facility, a satellite operations center, and offices for 120 staff.
Astroscale’s new custom built UK headquarters will be at the heart of the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus Space Cluster, close to partners such as the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency (ESA), Satellite Applications Catapult, the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and many space industry partners. This strategic location will enable Astroscale to lead development of the in-orbit servicing supply chain and commercial servicing economy through creating new jobs, national capability and world-leading facilities in the UK.
Zeus Satellite Manufacturing Facility will Support UK Space Sector
“I am delighted to open our new state-of-the-art UK premises at the Harwell Science Campus today,” said Nobu Okada, Founder and CEO of Astroscale. “This facility will support our ambitious growth plans for the UK business, allowing us to work with our partners to drive forward the development of the in-orbit servicing commercial market in the UK. If we act now, we will ensure a sustainable space economy for future generations."
“With nearly 5,000 operational satellites and over 30,000 pieces of trackable debris, the ability to operate safely in space is growing increasingly challenging,” said Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency. “The UK is leading efforts to make space more sustainable and we’re backing companies, such as Astroscale, to design innovative new missions to clear hazardous space junk. It’s fantastic to see this state of the art facility open, bringing new capabilities to the UK and creating more than 100 jobs at the Harwell Space Cluster.”
(Images provided with Astroscale news release)