DMC and Satellite Applications Catapult launch partnership to widen UK's share in the space industry

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) and the Satellite Applications Catapult have partnered, marking an important development in the UK space industry.

With the UK government aiming to capture 10 per cent of the sector by 2030, this new partnership signals a significant advancement in establishing a national space supply chain for advanced manufacturing.

While the UK space sector currently generates around £16.5bn per annum, providing 47,000 jobs across 1,293 different organisations, significant growth will be required to meet the government’s ambitious target - especially in supply chains, which must specialise in high-performance composites and additive manufacturing (AM).

A prominent AM production facility, the DMC actively supplies to advanced industries including space, aerospace, defence, motorsport, automotive, energy, and MedTech. The Catapult is a tech and innovation company that supports early-stage businesses with technical and commercial advice, providing unique facilities and equipment.

Both organisations are eager to ensure that the benefits of their joint capabilities can directly support the UK space sector.

Kieron Salter, CEO of the DMC, commented: “The UK space sector is expected to undergo significant growth over the next decade. Integral to these ambitions is a highly-capable supply chain that understands the unique challenges of the industry… and is able to service those requirements.

“In addition to supporting manufacturing for the space industry on Earth, our joint ambition is to have a DMC-led AM capability in space – either in orbit, on the moon, or another planet entirely.”

Mike Curtis-Rouse, head of access to space at the Catapult, said: “Our mission is to help grow the UK space industry on the world stage… Our role is to bridge the gap between industry and academia to deliver viable commercial solutions to the challenges of space ensuring that the right technology is used for the right application.”

Richard Harrington, chief executive of the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership said: “We see identifying working synergies and effecting collaboration agreements with businesses across our Enterprise Zones as vital to driving growth in innovation across Buckinghamshire.

“The synergy between the operations and aspirations for growth within the UK space sector is a perfect match that will continue to drive the successful growth of both businesses.”

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