Research themes

Ariane 5 launch

Access to space

We create new rocket technologies and support skills development for the rocket propulsion industry

3.5 x 3.5 cm femtospacecraft (Dr James Beeley)

Emerging space technologies

Technologies at extremes of spacecraft length-scale

Earth-Moon manifolds

Orbital and attitude dynamics

We develop new methods to design attitude manoeuvres, orbits and transfers

Orbiting solar reflectors (Dr Andrea Viale, NASA Earth texture)

Energy from space

Green solar power for Earth, day and night

Plume-regolith interaction CFD

Landing on other worlds

We study atmospheric entry and plume-regolith interaction

A planetary drill

Surface and subsurface exploration

Drilling in low gravity (asteroids, Moon and Mars) with no real-time control requires new exploration technologies