Showcase space technology development
The Snowdonia Space Centre showcases its exciting Space Technology Test Centre (STTC) progress on 8th and 9th October. Llanbedr Airfield, Snowdonia, welcomes local students to explore STEM and space-based activities. They will learn about the centre’s latest developments.
The site received £820,000 from the UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund and private investment. The STTC will offer UK-wide access to cutting-edge testing facilities, providing significant benefits for the space sector and the local economy.
A unique space for testing
The Snowdonia Space Centre has immediate access to Special Use Airspace (SUA), approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This airspace extends over Cardigan Bay, offering a dedicated flight test range for rocket-powered vehicles, microgravity research, and trials for re-entry vehicles.
The new Space Technology Test Centre features a variety of state-of-the-art equipment. There is a laboratory with a vibration table, aerostructures rig, and thermal-cycling vacuum chamber. All this tests aerospace systems for their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Preparing for future launches
Construction of the STTC is well underway, with equipment installation scheduled for the winter months. A formal launch demonstration will follow in March 2025, marking the completion of the Centre. During the October event, attendees will witness a static rocket test and gain insight into how the facility will benefit space companies and universities across the UK.
Jeremy Howitt, Future Flight Lead at Snowdonia Space Centre, expressed excitement about the centre’s progress. He said, “…. We hope to not only create a hub for testing but also provide excellent career opportunities for local talent and contribute to the Welsh economy.”
Educational opportunities for local students
The event is from 10.00 to 14.00 on both days, offering local students the chance to participate in space-related activities and see the centre’s facilities up close. By engaging the next generation in STEM subjects, the Snowdonia Space Centre hopes to inspire future talent and build a strong local workforce for the growing space industry in Wales.
For more information about the Snowdonia Space Centre, visit their website at Snowdonia Aerospace.