Explore ways to work together
Discover
Are you developing a mission or project and think RAL Space may be able to support? Are you interested in working with us but don’t know how?
For organisations at the idea, concept or exploration stage, or those new to working with RAL Space. We help you explore how your ambitions could align with our science, engineering heritage and space mission experience. This might be the very start of a conversation, or the point where you’re shaping a proposal, mission concept or collaboration.
You might work with us to:
- Explore space science or exploration mission concepts
- Understand how our heritage and experience could support your future plans
- Develop early ideas through discussion, case studies and expert insight
- Meet us at international events, forums and conferences
- Conduct joint scientific research and co‑author papers
- Draw on RAL Space’s expertise from being involved in the full lifecycle of space missions
Prepare
Are you building hardware to go into space – can RAL Space support you prepare?
For organisations building hardware for space and preparing for qualification, testing or calibration. We support you to reduce technical and programme risk by helping you prepare systems, subsystems and instruments, strengthening your mission readiness.
You might work with us to:
- Carry out environmental testing (including thermal vacuum, vibration, dynamics and EMC)
- Calibrate Earth observation instruments, from small satellites to large payloads
- Procure specialist hardware and technology (such as MLI, mechanisms or space cameras) to strengthen your mission readiness
- Develop instrumentation for your payloads utilising our long-standing mission expertise
- Access linked national test capability across the STFC estate where appropriate
Build
Are you looking for space dedicated facilities to support the development of your technology?
For organisations developing, assembling or integrating space hardware. We provide access to specialist space facilities and teams to support the build, integration and delivery of space systems, without you needing to own all the infrastructure yourself.
Ways we can support you:
- Access space‑dedicated cleanrooms and AIT facilities
- Use our facilities with hands‑on support from our engineers
- Integrate subsystems into complete space systems
- Work with us as a system integrator, bringing together engineering, facilities and testing capability
Solve
Have you got engineering challenges and need the support of a large engineering team with extensive heritage?
For organisations facing difficult or novel technical challenges. We work alongside you to solve complex problems, drawing on deep scientific and engineering expertise developed through decades of space missions.
You might work with us to:
- Access expert support across disciplines including mechanical, systems, thermal, optics, electronics and flight electronics
- Raise technology readiness levels
- Apply specialist science expertise, including quantum and advanced instrumentation
Commercialise
Are you a business looking to develop technology more quickly and effectively, we might have the IP and experience to help?
For businesses looking to accelerate technology development, reduce risk and bring products to market. We help turn world‑class space technology and expertise into commercial outcomes, working flexibly to suit your business model.
You might work with us to:
- Supply or license flight‑proven hardware, software or services
- Fly RAL Space technology on your mission
- Use our IP to accelerate development
- Explore licensing, spin‑out or investment opportunities
- Access our IP portfolio to support your growth
Train
Are you looking to develop the capability of your staff?
For organisations looking to develop people, skills and knowledge. We support capability building across the space ecosystem, from engineers and technical teams to investors and insurers seeking to understand space technology and risk.
You might work with us to:
- Develop technical capability through training and knowledge exchange
- Share expertise through secondments or collaborative programmes
- Access tailored training in areas such as space engineering, programme assurance and systems thinking
- Develop Product Assurance (PA) and Quality Assurance (QA) expertise
- Build space literacy for investors, insurers and decision‑makers
Enquiries
If you’re looking for guidance, collaboration or support for your project, reach out to our team.
