ESA-RAL Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
Validating materials and manufacturing technologies for space applications
Understanding your challenges
Space is one of the most extreme and harsh environments imaginable. Materials developed to compete in the upstream space market need to prove that they will withstand this environment for long periods of time with little or no intervention.
For businesses looking to validate materials for use in space missions, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), offers expertise and test services in our Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (ESA-RAL AML) at Harwell Campus. The laboratory is part of a larger European Network.
Providing a solution
Using cutting-edge equipment, our scientists can investigate a wide range of material properties and characteristics to provide recommendations on how they can best be applied or improved for use in a space mission.
The laboratory tests space hardware and samples of materials used for space projects and supports a wide range of specialist topics, including additive manufacturing, joining technologies and assessment of new materials.
Additional laboratory services
Powder characterisation
Metrology
Non-destructive inspections
Microstructural characterisation (including microscopy) and heat treatment
Mechanical testing and failure analysis
Electronic Assembly Verification against ECSS-Q-ST-70-61C
(as an ESA Recommended Category A microsectioning facility)
Work with us
From simulating moon dust to testing space electronics and 3D printed materials, the ESA-RAL AML team has been utilising expertise and equipment across STFC to understand the materials and processes required to withstand the conditions in space. The team can apply this insight and work with businesses to test and validate space technology.
For more information, please contact us.
