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Artist's impression of Sentinel-3 scanning the Earth's surface and monitoring its temperature.
Case study

Why Do We Measure Earth’s Temperature From Space? — From ATSR to SLSTR

12th June 2026

RAL Space has contributed to an instrument series that has provided continuous surface temperature data for over 40 years.
The SOLSTICE payload on a lab bench. It is a relatively small (16U) cubesat structural model.
Case study

SOLSTICE: A new instrument to plug gaps in climate data

11th June 2026

RAL Space is developing SOLSTICE: an miniaturised instrument aiming to plug critical gaps in Earth observation data.
A collage of 6 images of the Sun captured in different wavelengths, presented in different colours.
Case study

Camera electronics at the heart of solar discoveries

11th June 2026

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has been relying on RAL Space camera electronics for more than a decade in orbit.
Satellite image of the UK
Case study

The EO Data Hub: A gateway to the UK’s Earth observation data

3rd June 2026

The EO Data Hub platform is enhancing decision-making processes across sectors by integrating high-quality, space derived data.
RAL Space's Fourier Transform Spectrometer, which is part of the TCCON network. It is located inside a telescope dome on the roof of a building.
Case study

RAL Space joins reference global greenhouse gas monitoring network

29th May 2026

RAL Space is part of a global network providing accurate measurements of atmospheric greenhouse gases, helping to ensure international agreements on emissions targets can be met.
7 members of the Ariel project team wearing clean room suits, standing next to the payload structural model which is fitted to the large shaker table in the National Satellite Test Facility.
News

Ariel space mission to study alien worlds passes crucial test milestone

11th May 2026

The Ariel payload has cleared a major test milestone, paving the way for the mission that will uncover the secrets of over 1000 alien worlds.
The Narrow Field Imager camera on one of the four spacecraft of NASA’s PUNCH mission, imaged a large coronal mass ejection on 3 June 2025. The coronal mass ejection can be seen rising in the centre of the image, above the blocked-out Sun.
Case study

RAL Space camera systems packing a PUNCH

7th May 2026

RAL Space has played an important role in the science and technology behind NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission.
Case study

EarthCARE: Unlocking the Climate Secrets of Clouds and Aerosols

5th May 2026

The European-Japanese Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission is shedding new light onto the role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth’s climate.
The bright launch arc of the rocket carrying SPOQC to orbit.
News

Space mission launch advances UK standing in quantum communications

31st March 2026

A landmark space mission built on UK research excellence is set to accelerate progress in quantum communications, as the pioneering “Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications” (SPOQC) launches.
An artist's impression of the FORUM spacecraft in orbit around the Earth.
News

UK to build and test first far-infrared climate satellite

4th March 2026

Climate scientists are set to gain unprecedented insights into global warming as the UK prepares to build and test Europe's first far-infrared Earth observation satellite.
News

RAL Space and Spire Global launch technology to revolutionise weather forecasting

23rd February 2026

A shoebox-sized sensor developed by Spire Global Ltd in collaboration with RAL Space has been launched into orbit, marking a significant step towards more accurate and timely weather...
Case study

HyMS: licensing revolutionary weather forecasting technology

23rd February 2026

Technology developed at RAL Space has been licensed to Spire Global and is set to transform how we approach weather forecasting technology.
UK and Singapore launch satellite to test ‘unhackable’ quantum communications technology
News

UK and Singapore launch satellite to test ‘unhackable’ quantum communications technology

9th December 2025

​While quantum computing promises breakthroughs in many areas, from medicine to finance, it also threatens to crack the encryption that currently protects everything from online banking to national...
Images show speakers and delegates at the 20th Anniversary
Event

21st Appleton Space Conference

4th December 2025

On 4 December 2025, the Appleton Space Conference returns to showcase advances in space science and technology.
swimmr cropped
Case study

Strengthening UK space weather capabilities with SWIMMR

5th December 2025

Launched in 2020, the SWIMMR programme develops instruments, models, and tools to improve UK space weather monitoring ...
A colour-coded representation of debris showing the number of objects of various sizes as well as active satellites that are modelled to be circling Earth in August 2024.
Case study

Chilbolton Observatory: Supporting UK space domain awareness

1st December 2025

Chilbolton Observatory strengthens the UK's space domain awareness capabilities by providing high-precision tracking data directly to the National Space Operations Centre.
Case study

SpeQtre: A new approach to space technology

1st December 2025

RAL Space is leading the UK's role in a cubesat mission testing 'unhackable' quantum technology, paving the way for secure data in a future shaped by quantum computing.
SpeQtre Satellite
News

UK and Singapore launch satellite to test ‘unhackable’ quantum communications technology

28th November 2025

​While quantum computing promises breakthroughs in many areas, from medicine to finance, it also threatens to crack the encryption that currently protects everything from online banking to national...
News

UK-Singapore quantum satellite ready for launch

22nd October 2025

A pioneering satellite mission to demonstrate ultra-secure quantum communication from space has been shipped from the UK for launch this November.
UK-Australia expands indigenous space education
News

UK-Australia expands indigenous space education

3rd October 2025

STFC has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Monash University to expand opportunities for Indigenous Australian students in space science education.
Project-members-at-the-installation-of-new-quantum-magnetometer-sensor-at-Chilbolton-Observatory-Hampshire.-BGS-©-UKRI-1.jpg
News

UK sensors to track Earth’s magnetic pulse

23rd September 2025

Five UK-made quantum sensors are being installed across the UK to help scientists understand the effects of extreme space weather on technology and national infrastructure.
Project-members-at-the-installation-of-new-quantum-magnetometer-sensor-at-Chilbolton-Observatory-Hampshire.-BGS-©-UKRI-1.jpg
Case study

Quantum technology for space weather

23rd September 2025

Quantum technology is monitoring the impacts of space weather, supporting better prediction to protect infrastructure on the ground.
Case study

MicroCarb: Mapping Carbon Emissions from Space

1st September 2025

RAL Space supported instrument development and environmental test for Europe's first satellite dedicated to monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
News

New satellite series takes flight to transform climate monitoring

12th August 2025

The first satellite in a series of six that will launch over the next fifteen years takes flight early on 13 August as part of an international project...
​Lift off! Credit: Arianespace
News

UK-French city-scanning satellite set to transform climate monitoring

28th July 2025

Millions of people worldwide are set to benefit from more accurate climate data as the groundbreaking MicroCarb satellite begins its journey to space.
News

Europe’s next-generation Earth observation missions ready for launch

1st July 2025

Two pioneering Earth observation missions are set to revolutionise severe weather and air quality monitoring across Europe and northern Africa.
News

Join RAL Space at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2025

24th June 2025

RAL Space will be supporting two exhibits at this prestigious annual event. ​​Next week, colleagues from RAL Space will head to London for the Royal Society’s Summer Science...
News

Solar Orbiter’s Groundbreaking New View of the Sun’s Poles

11th June 2025

Solar Orbiter, the European Space Agency-led mission with RAL Space involvement, is the first spacecraft to image the Sun’s polar regions from outside the ecliptic plane.
The 25m dish at Chilbolton Observatory. Credit: NCAS
News

Chilbolton Observatory contributes to breakthrough in satellite communications

6th June 2025

ESA, Telesat and RAL Space have successfully established a Q-band link with a satellite in Low Earth Orbit.
A dark blue ESA van stands at the ready in front of Chilbolton's 25-metre-wide antenna.
Case study

Q-Band Breakthrough: Faster Satellite Communications for a Connected World

6th June 2025

RAL Space have supported the demonstration of a new band of satellite communications, paving the way for much faster data transfer rates that could connect remote communities and...
New Zealand's South Island, as seen by ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti aboard the International Space Station. Credit: ESA/NASA-S.Cristoforett
News

UK-NZ Earth Observation Demonstrator Call

22nd May 2025

The UK–New Zealand Space Science and Innovation Partnership is pleased to launch an Open Call for collaborative Earth observation demonstrator projects.
News

Earth observation scientists need you: help us catch clouds from space!

21st May 2025

Space enthusiasts and families across the UK will have the chance to contribute directly to climate science through an upgraded cloud-spotting project launched today.
The first light image from one of the PUNCH WFIs taken on April 14, 2025. Credit: NASA/SwRI
News

PUNCH captures first images of the Sun

30th April 2025

NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission has successfully captured its first images of the Sun’s outer atmosphere and solar wind. Now, RAL Space is...
​The final SPIRE Dark Field image map was created by combining the Blue (250 micrometres), Green (350 micrometres) and Red (500 micrometres) SPIRE camera channels together, each channel stacking a total of 141 images on top of each other. The blobs on the image are all individual groups of galaxies. However, the image is so crowded that there is almost no empty space with the faintest galaxies merging into the background light in the map. Credit: Pearson et al. 2025​
News

Hidden galaxies could answer key questions about our Universe

10th April 2025

Researchers have peered back in time to find what appears to be a population of ‘hidden’ galaxies that could hold the key to unlocking some of the Universe’s...
Teams from RAL Space, Active Space Technologies and the European Space Agency setting up acoustic tests in the NSTF. Credit: STFC RAL Space
News

Ariel undergoes the UK’s first space acoustic tests

7th April 2025

The National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) has hosted the UK’s first tests designed to simulate the intense acoustic environment of rocket launch.
News

NASA’s PUNCH satellites successfully launch to study the solar wind

13th March 2025

Following successful launch in the early hours of Wednesday morning (12 March 2025) UK time, the PUNCH spacecraft are poised to begin their two-year mission to study the...
News

UK-built camera systems set to launch on NASA mission to study the Sun

24th February 2025

Teams in Oxfordshire have played a crucial role in a pioneering NASA mission launching this week, set to transform our understanding of the Sun’s atmosphere and space weather.
Illustration of a satellite in front of the sun.
News

Studying the Sun: 5 years of Solar Orbiter

10th February 2025

Launched on 10 February 2020, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Solar Orbiter mission has brought scientists closer to the Sun than any mission before. RAL Space is celebrating...
Close up of instrumentation at the Small Satellite Calibration Facility. Credit: STFC RAL Space​
News

New facility for small satellites set to boost UK EO sector

18th December 2024

A new national facility set to boost the UK’s thriving Earth observation sector with access to world-leading instrumentation and expertise is open for business.
Images show speakers and delegates at the 20th Anniversary
News

Celebrating the 20th Appleton Space Conference

9th December 2024

For 20 years, the Appleton Space Conference has been at the heart of the UK’s space sector, uniting industry leaders, researchers and innovators to highlight the latest achievements...
Illustration of four satellites flying in low Earth orbit above the curved edge of Earth, with clouds visible on the planet’s surface below
Case study

Salsa’s Last Dance: 24 Years of Cluster mission operations

1st December 2024

For over 20 years, a small team within RAL Space has planned and executed science operations for the four Cluster II spacecraft.
Astronomical image of Stephan’s Quintet showing several labelled galaxies, including NGC 7318a and NGC 7318b, with coloured intensity regions, green contour lines, and a white hexagonal field‑of‑view overlay.
News

First science results from WEAVE detail dramatic galaxy collision

22nd November 2024

A 2-million-mph galaxy collision has been observed in new detail thanks to WEAVE – a cutting-edge upgrade to the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) led by RAL Space and...
Illustration of a satellite in space.
News

NASA selects proposal involving UK scientists for further study, as they seek to address ‘secrets of the Universe’

22nd October 2024

A study involving RAL Space scientists has been selected by NASA as one of two proposals they are considering for a $1 billion astrophysics mission.
Illustration of a satellite re-entry into Earth's orbit.
News

Salsa’s last dance: Cluster operations team prepares for satellite re-entry

6th September 2024

Preparations are underway for this Sunday, when Salsa, the first of four satellites making up ESA’s Cluster mission, will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere after over 24 years in...
Leading pioneering projects to improve understanding of climate change
News

Leading pioneering projects to improve understanding of climate change

2nd September 2024

RAL Space is leading three of seven projects making up a programme to support rapid development of innovative Earth observation instruments monitoring the climate and marine environment in...
3D rendering of a compact scientific instrument with metallic housings, gears, and funnel‑shaped components.
News

Mini lab supported by RAL Space secures NASA ride to the Moon

30th August 2024

Developed by the Open University with support from RAL Space, ProSPA will fly to the Moon as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
Illustration of a satellite.
News

Decode Exoplanet Atmospheres Using AI: Ariel Data Challenge 2024 Awaits

2nd August 2024

Artificial Intelligence experts are being challenged to help tackle one of astronomy’s most complex and important data analysis problems.
Funding boost for innovative RAL Space projects
News

Funding boost for innovative RAL Space projects

22nd July 2024

DSIT Secretary of State Peter Kyle has announced a £33m programme of national space projects, including three led by RAL Space, on the opening day of Farnborough Airshow.
People cheering in front of a thermal vacuum chamber holding an Airbus flag.
News

First Sentinel-5 instrument leaves RAL Space for satellite integration

31st May 2024

The first Sentinel-5 instrument has left RAL Space for integration onto the MetOp-SG A satellite, where it will contribute to improved monitoring of air quality, changes in the...
EarthCARE satellite in space
News

EarthCARE launched to explore impact of clouds and aerosols on Earth’s climate

29th May 2024

The European Space Agency’s EarthCARE satellite, which is set to revolutionise understanding of how clouds and aerosols affect our climate, was launched yesterday evening from the Vandenberg Space...
Two women holding a trophy.
News

Celebrating three years of partnership with the Jon Egging Trust

24th May 2024

RAL Space has been awarded “Corporate Team of the Year” and attended a student graduation ceremony in recognition of our public engagement work with the Jon Egging Trust.
Exterior of building.
News

Lift off for UK’s National Satellite Test Facility

22nd May 2024

The UK’s first “one-stop shop” for large satellite testing has officially opened its doors and is set to welcome its first customers.
RAL Space receives share of £9m funding for climate monitoring instruments
News

RAL Space receives share of £9m funding for climate monitoring instruments

14th May 2024

RAL Space is leading 4 out of 12 Earth observation projects receiving funding as part of a package funded by the UK Space Agency.
“Illustrated ‘Earth Explorers’ graphic from ESA showing a stylised globe made of hexagonal images of ice, oceans, forests, clouds, and industry, with satellite missions around it including CryoSat, GOCE, SMOS, Swarm, Aeolus, EarthCARE, Biomass, Flex, Forum, and Harmony.”
News

RAL Space-led mission concept shortlisted to be ESA’s next Earth Explorer

19th April 2024

An Earth observation mission concept led by RAL Space is one of four ideas shortlisted to become the 12th in the European Space Agency’s pioneering family of ‘Earth...
“Satellite in space with extended solar panels, shown against a star‑filled background.”
News

Heritage ERS-2 satellite returns to Earth

22nd February 2024

After almost 30 years in orbit and a 16-year working life, the influential European Remote Sensing 2 satellite (ERS-2) has completed atmospheric re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
Crates containing a satellite being attached to a lorry.
News

MicroCarb leaves RAL Space ready for launch

2nd February 2024

After spending just over a year at RAL Space, MicroCarb has been delivered from Oxfordshire to Toulouse, where it will stay before being shipped for launch.
Image taken from a satellite in orbit.
News

PITMS returns to Earth after eventful mission

19th January 2024

​The Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) has returned to Earth after an eventful ten days in space, burning up on re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
Man smiling infront of a red and blue background
News

Head of Space Physics scoops prestigious Royal Astronomical Society award

15th January 2024

RAL Space's Head of Space Physics, Professor Ian McCrea, has been recognised with a prestigious Service Award by the Royal Astronomical Society for his “invaluable service to the...
The Peregrine Lunar Lander fuelled and integrated with ULA’s Vulcan rocket. Credit: Astrobotic
News

RAL Space part of historic lunar exploration milestone

8th January 2024

In a significant step forward in lunar exploration, an instrument designed to observe the Moon’s atmosphere (exosphere) was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on 8th January 2024,...
Artist's impression of JUICE orbiting Jupiter.
Case study

Teratech: A RAL Space Spin-out Bound for Jupiter

1st December 2023

A RAL Space spin-out company has provided Scottky diode technology for ESA's JUICE mission.
Case study

WEAVE: A new window on the Universe

1st December 2023

RAL Space have co-led a telescope upgrade that will help answer questions about how galaxies form and evolve.
​​​Artist’s impression of Ariel. Image Credit: Airbus. .
News

Exoplanet mission Ariel passes review milestone

3rd August 2023

Ariel, the European Space Agency's (ESA) next-generation mission to observe the chemical make-up of distant extrasolar planets, has passed a major milestone after successfully completing its Payload Preliminary...
A graph showing tracking data from CASTR. A line can be seen through the middle of an otherwise empty space - this is Aeolus.
Case study

Tracking Aeolus’ historic re-entry

1st August 2023

In July 2023, the UK-built Aeolus satellite made history when mission controllers successfully guided its return to Earth.
The JASMIN supercomputer, a long row of computer racks with blue and green lights.
Case study

Partnering up to reach net zero ambitions

1st August 2023

A CEDA-led project has published recommendations, identified constraints, and recognised opportunities affecting sustainability across digital research infrastructure.
Large satellite dish on an open field.
News

Enhancing Radio Astronomy at the Sardinia Radio Telescope

13th July 2023

A team at RAL Space has developed and successfully installed a powerful new tool to observe distant galaxies and enhance space weather forecasting.
Man in clean room suit wearing holding an scientific instrument on over a lab workbench.
News

Final receivers for MetOp-SG delivered

30th June 2023

RAL Space has delivered the last of 20 millimetre wave receivers developed for the Microwave Sounder and Microwave Imager instruments on board the MetOp-Second Generation satellites.
Rocket launching.
News

UKRI SWIMMR-1 launches in boost to UK space weather forecasting capabilities

13th June 2023

The UKRI SWIMMR-1 radiation monitor has successfully launched from California, boosting the UK’s space weather capabilities.
Three men in hard hats standing in front of a large. metal chamber door.
News

National Satellite Test Facility to welcome Airbus as first customer

11th May 2023

The National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF), the UK's new £116m centre for testing large, next-generation satellites, will soon welcome Airbus Defence and Space UK as its first customer.
SLSTR-D in the clean room at RAL Space. Credit: STFC RAL Space / Leonardo
News

Fourth instrument in climate monitoring series leaves RAL Space

24th February 2023

The fourth Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR-D) has left RAL Space and is on its way to be installed onto the Sentinel-3D satellite.
Microcarb arriving in the clean room at RAL Space | Credit: Thales Alenia Space
News

Microcarb arrives in UK ahead of 2024 mission

8th December 2022

​​Microcarb, a joint British and French satellite dedicated to monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide, has arrived at STFC RAL Space where its building and testing will be completed.
A drone pilot is landing a relatively large drone in a field, with blue skies and woodland in the distance.
Case study

Surveying forests using hyperspectral cameras onboard drones

1st December 2022

A team at RAL Space is changing the way tree populations can be assessed from the sky, determining whether they're affected by disease, pests, or climate.
Boreholes and pipes at the Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant.
Case study

LIRA: Monitoring Carbon Capture in Iceland

1st December 2022

The Spectroscopy Group at RAL Space has developed a powerful tool for tracking carbon capture efficiency in real time, enabling data required to optimise storage technologies at scale.
The distinctive red, dusty landscape of Mount Sharp on Mars, captured by the Curiosity Rover.
Case study

Blue sky research shaping exploration beyond Earth

1st December 2022

RAL Space scientists are investigating how technology could be used to create a man-made magnetosphere around the “Red Planet”.
​​​PUNCH being put through its paces Credit: STFC RAL Space
News

Final flight model for PUNCH has shipped

16th November 2022

RAL Space has shipped the remaining two of five CCD Camera Electronics systems for NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission.
News

220,000 tonnes of methane likely released from Nord Stream gas leak

14th November 2022

220,000 tonnes of methane are likely to have been released from the ruptures in the Nord Stream gas pipelines, new satellite data has revealed.
A screengrab from RAL Space's data visualisation tool. It pictures the Earth, with remote sensing data overlayed.
Case study

Near real-time satellite data could help alleviate the air pollution impact from wildfires

8th March 2022

A near-real time system developed by RAL Space can track the worldwide occurrence of pollutant plumes and their dispersion, which could inform air quality assessments, planning and scientific...
Image showing the back of the JASMIN supercomputer.
Case study

Investigating the impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on global emissions

1st December 2021

The Centre for Environmental Data Science (CEDA) has provided data to scientists on how COVID-19 lockdowns affected the levels of air pollution in countries around the world.
Artist's impression of the Metop-A satellite in orbit, with Earth's surface below.
Case study

Satellite data show methane increase at all latitudes

1st December 2021

RAL Space scientists have developed a multi-year dataset of global methane concentrations, which will help understanding relationships between methane and climate change.
Satellite image showing plumes from fires in Borneo, Indonesia.
Case study

Observing biomass burning in Indonesia to improve air quality monitoring

8th November 2021

Ground-based measurements of aerosols from the 2019 peat fires in Indonesia will combine with satellite data to improve air quality monitoring.
News

ESA formally adopts Ariel, the exoplanet explorer

12th November 2020

The European Space Agency (ESA) have formally adopted Ariel, the first mission dedicated to study the nature, formation and evolution of exoplanets.
Team member