In-Orbit

In this episode, we're going to be discussing the fascinating topic of microgravity.  Microgravity exists where only very small gravitational forces are experienced. This is a unique environment that creates new opportunities and challenges for scientific research, technology development, and human spaceflight. Our host, Dallas Campbell, is joined by two members of the Access to Space team at the...

Drones have become an increasingly popular technology in recent years, with applications ranging from aerial photography and videography to search and rescue, agriculture, and even package delivery. Despite their versatility, however, drones remain a somewhat controversial technology, with concerns about privacy, safety, and their impact on the environment. In this episode, we will be ‘flying high...

In this episode we will be exploring sustainable land use and how we can balance the needs of local communities, businesses, and ecosystems, to ensure that our land is used in a way that benefits everyone. As our population continues to rise, how do we adopt sustainable land use practices, improve the well-being of local communities, and protect the environment for future generations? The answer l...

In this episode we will be discussing sustainable finance, and how – alongside data insights from space – this initiative can be a key tool for promoting sustainable development and combating climate change.   What do we mean when we talk about sustainable finance? Sustainable finance refers to financial activities that take into account environmental, social, and governance factors in investment...

In this episode, we will be discussing In-Space Manufacturing and talking to some of the companies who are at the forefront of this new space race. The future of commercial space is dependent on our ability to build and assemble large structures entirely outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. From emission-free solar power stations to spacecraft capable of travelling beyond our solar system, all of th...

In this episode, we’re celebrating the Catapult’s 10th anniversary, reflecting on a fantastic decade of ground-breaking innovations and achievements. The Satellite Applications Catapult has made remarkable strides in advancing satellite technology and its applications. Through innovative research and development, the Catapult has made significant contributions to various sectors – energising these...

In this episode, we’re exploring the concept of Digital Twins. A Digital Twin is a virtual representation of a real-world physical counterpart, they use sophisticated data models to accurately simulate changes and problems, using the virtual environment to test and monitor potential scenarios without ever altering the physical counterpart – this enables users to run various simulations and to plan...

In today’s episode, we’re going to be discussing how Artificial Intelligence can be used to enhance Earth Observation. Most of the images generated by satellites will never be seen by human eyes. There simply aren’t enough humans on Earth—let alone trained experts—to sift through the TBs of imagery generated daily and extract valuable intelligence and insight. Big data and AI approaches can be use...

Welcome to In-Orbit – the fortnightly podcast exploring how technology from space is empowering a better world. This podcast is brought to you by the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK technology and innovation company driving economic growth through the commercialisation of space, and hosted by writer and broadcaster, Dallas Campbell. The UK has always played a pivotal role in transforming the...

Amber is expected to be the first of a constellation of satellites to provide Maritime Domain Awareness data to users. Using unique, patented technology, the system will geolocate and demodulate radio frequency data from ships around the world, including listening for the presence or absence of a ships Automatic Identification System (AIS). Amber forms part of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s...

The UK is home to some of the world’s leading space companies and satellite manufacturers, but they have never been able to launch from the UK itself – until now. We are on the cusp of a major milestone as a spacefaring nation. This mission from Spaceport Cornwall marks the beginning of a new domestic launch market as the UK completes its end-to-end ecosystem, enabling companies to design, build,...

The Westcott Space Cluster is a growing nucleus of space-related companies developing new technologies in rocket propulsion, 5G communications, and in-orbit manufacturing to name a few. The site offers unique testing facilities in a secure and controlled environment where sector experts can help businesses to identify and benefit from the opportunities in these emerging fields. The Expo, hosted in...

The Westcott Space Cluster is a growing nucleus of space-related companies developing new technologies in rocket propulsion, 5G communications, and in-orbit manufacturing to name a few. The site offers unique testing facilities in a secure and controlled environment where sector experts can help businesses to identify and benefit from the opportunities in these emerging fields. The Expo, hosted in...

The Westcott Space Cluster is a growing nucleus of space-related companies developing new technologies in rocket propulsion, 5G communications, and in-orbit manufacturing to name a few. The site offers unique testing facilities in a secure and controlled environment where sector experts can help businesses to identify and benefit from the opportunities in these emerging fields. The Expo, hosted in...

The National Space Strategy was published in September 2021, bringing together the UK’s strengths in science and technology, defence, regulation and diplomacy to pursue a bold national vision of growing the UK as a science and technology superpower. The Strategy is a considerable undertaking and driving it forward will require knowledge, insight, and evidence of where new interventions are best ta...

Without space, we would not know nearly as much about our need to act against climate change as we currently do. As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increases, there has never been more of a need for this type of information. This is particularly true for people of Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, small...

Access to space in the UK is changing. New technologies emerge every year, creating the opportunity for new types of companies to exploit the power of space. The next natural step in the UK space industry’s journey, is launch. Spaceport sites have been planned across the UK, including in Scotland and Cornwall, which could cement the country as Europe's most attractive destination for commercial sp...

Developing a strong space community in all regions across the UK is essential to foster new collaborations and bring new innovations to life.   Over the past decade, the UK space sector has grown from a small group of highly successful niche companies, to a far reaching, dynamic and diverse ecosystem made up of entrepreneurs, academia and both large and small commercial organisations.     New tech...

We are in an era of unprecedented change within healthcare, driven by increasing need and accelerating technology opportunities. It is no secret that the NHS is under increasing pressure, but in recent years new solutions have begun to emerge that could help alleviate this stress. The question is: how do we use these new technologies in the best – and fairest - way possible? Currently, the infrast...

We are moving into an era of space infrastructure, where the size of what can be fitted into a rocket is no longer a constraint on what can operate in space.   In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing – or IOSM for short – is a nascent market with huge opportunities, referring to the operations and activities conducted in Low Earth Orbit, though they could happen anywhere in the solar system.   IOSM i...

The transition to a sustainable global economy will be the most capital-intensive transition in human history. Sustainable finance is about aligning the financial system with global sustainability. This focus is becoming increasingly relevant as our economic activities reach beyond the natural and social boundaries of our planet. A new and resilient financial system is required to underpin this ec...

Since the birth of space exploration, we have been transfixed with not only the spectacle of space travel, but the opportunities that this new vantage point provides for technological advancement. Today, by combining the advances in launch capabilities and in-orbit manufacturing, we are now in a position to develop the infrastructure for a space-based solar power system, capable of providing clean...

It’s estimated the world will need to feed 10 billion people before the end of the century. Yet at the same time, we are faced with a climate crisis that requires the urgent protection of our natural resources.  To meet these challenges, we need to focus on getting the most out of what we already have. We need more efficient farming methods that are kinder to the environment. We need sustainable,...

Mobile network operators tend to stick to the regions that make business sense. There are more commercial opportunities in densely populated cities, and therefore more connectivity. But for rural and coastal regions, a good connection is also a matter of public safety. The RNLI, police, and coastguard all require resilient and robust network coverage to locate and deliver support when called upon....

Bold space aspirations can create prosperity, drive sustainability, and enable security around the world.   For years, the space sector was a well-kept secret, the preserve of the super powers: few people knew we had a space industry – let alone one that was commercially successful on a global scale.    Britain has played a pivotal role in transforming the space landscape, enabling multiple indust...