UK space gateway to support sustainable space technologies

(SpaceEnergy) A new UK Space and Defence Gateway has opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus with a focus on accelerating collaboration in sustainable space technologies, including satellite servicing, orbital refuelling, space-based solar power and other energy-related capabilities.

King Charles III officially opened the facility during a visit to Harwell, where the initiative was launched in partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Astra Carta framework.

The Gateway is intended to bring together government, industry, academia and investors to support the development and commercialisation of space and defence technologies while promoting sustainability across the sector.

The facility is located at the centre of the Harwell Space Cluster, Europe's largest concentration of space organisations, which includes more than 120 public and private space organisations alongside major institutions such as the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult.

During the visit, companies including Astroscale, Orbit Fab, Magdrive, Oxford Space Systems, Open Cosmos and Space Solar demonstrated technologies under development.

Several of these companies are active in areas directly linked to future space energy infrastructure, including in-orbit refuelling, high-efficiency propulsion, satellite servicing and space-based solar power.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative also announced a partnership with Harwell Science and Innovation Campus to establish an investment council intended to support collaboration and investment in technologies aligned with the Astra Carta principles for a more sustainable space economy.

The Gateway will operate as a co-working and events hub designed to connect innovators with investors and support businesses developing technologies for future civil and defence space applications, including those supporting resilient energy systems and sustainable space infrastructure.