A new manufacturing facility has been opened in Hardwickle, Gloucestershire. The 45,000 sq ft plant, established by advanced composites firm iCOMAT, is set to revolutionise the way lightweight structures for space applications are designed and built
Funded partially by a £4.8 million investment from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF), the facility is expected to create up to 2,000 jobs and significantly improve the UK’s domestic space manufacturing capabilities.
Revolutionising space structures
iCOMAT have patented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology, a breakthrough in composite materials manufacturing.
This advanced process allows for the production of ultra-lightweight, strong, and cost-effective components for spacecraft and satellites.
Reducing mass is crucial in the space industry, where every gram counts. By creating a lighter structure without compromising performance, RTS helps manufacturers reduce launch costs, improve payload capacity, and enhance fuel efficiency.
The technology also aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability and resource efficiency.
Dual production lines for advanced applications
The facility, known as the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Enterprise (ACMA), features two specialised RTS production lines tailored to different manufacturing needs.
The 2D-RTS line is designed to produce flat and shaped structures such as satellite panels and solar array components. In contrast, the 3D-RTS line enables the fabrication of complex, curved components like satellite fuel tanks and propulsion systems using advanced fibre steering techniques.
This dual approach provides flexibility for a range of customers and applications across the space industry, offering end-users access to next-generation manufacturing without the need to invest in their own infrastructure.
Investment and collaboration
The launch of the manufacturing facility follows a total investment of £8.2 million, combining UK Space Agency funding with match funding from iCOMAT. Additional support exceeding £800,000 has also been provided through the European Space Agency’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), reinforcing the facility’s strategic importance to both the UK and European space sectors.
The location in Gloucestershire was carefully chosen to create collaboration within the Western Gateway region’s growing space cluster. This was done to allow iCOMAT to work closely with industry leaders and research institutions to accelerate innovation and develop a strong supply chain for the UK’s space sector.
Expanding beyond space
While the facility’s main focus is on space applications, the versatility of the RTS technology also opens opportunities in other high-performance sectors.
Aerospace and automotive industries, which share similar demands for lightweight, durable components, could benefit from the same innovations driving change in orbit.
By offering access to this technology on a manufacturing-as-a-service basis, iCOMAT enables a wide range of companies to incorporate RTS capabilities into their product designs, whether for refining existing systems or developing entirely new solutions.
Strengthening the UK’s global position
The opening of iCOMAT’s facility represents a key step forward in strengthening the UK’s competitive edge in the global space economy. With a growing demand for lighter, more efficient spacecraft and an expanding satellite market, domestic capabilities like those provided by iCOMAT are essential for capturing a greater share of international contracts.
