Oxford Space Systems
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Earth moves for
Oxford Space Systems
Harwell-based space tech start-up Oxford Space Systems ( OSS ) has secured a collaborative contract with a leading academic institute in Kazakhstan to measure earthquake activity from space
The collaboration with Kazakhstan ’ s Institute of Space Technique and Technologies ( ISTT ) will see OSS design , build and install a version of its proprietary boom technology , known as AstroTube , into a small satellite , known as a cubesat . This boom will be used to deploy a magnetometer – a highly sensitive instrument to measure and map the Earth ’ s magnetic field .
The satellite , roughly the size of a loaf of bread , will orbit almost 170 miles above the earth and is expected to operate for up to a year in this exploratory mission .
Mike Lawton , Oxford Space Systems ’ founder and CEO explained : “ This exciting mission will explore the viability of a space-based earthquake monitoring and prediction system that Kazakhstan is keen to implement .
“ As one of the most earthquake prone countries on earth , the ability to predict damaging earthquakes has obvious societal and commercial benefits .”
Should this exploratory mission prove successful it is hoped that a
In orbit this summer – OSS to set world record with longest retractable cubesat boom
small constellation of satellites will be ordered from the UK – together with the OSS boom technology – to provide a fully operational earthquake monitoring service .
Ray Fielding , head of International Partnership Space Programme ( IPSP ), a programme being run by the UK Space Agency , said : ‘’ We ’ re pleased to be able to support Oxford Space Systems in developing a long-term , commerciallyfocused relationship with Kazakhstan that we hope will support the growth of OSS into a globally recognised supplier of UK space technology .”
The AstroTube boom will provide world-first and unique capabilities . The 1.5m long boom system is fully and partially deployable , meaning that for the first time a magnetometer can be deployed at various distances from the satellite . This will permit the Kazakh team to quantify the level of interference generated by a cubesat on such an instrument when in orbit for the first time .
In addition to supplying its boom system , OSS will also be responsible for the integration of the boom into the spacecraft and all subsequent spacecraft level testing . A number of the ISTT team will relocate to OSS ’ offices at Harwell in order to assist with the integration and test .
The Harwell campus , known as the UK ’ s Space Cluster , boasts some of Europe ’ s newest and largest test facilities and will be used by the project to ensure that the tiny spacecraft is fit for launch in early 2017 .
Architects establish Rural base at Stoneleigh
Architects ESP Design has established a base at the Rural Innovation Centre at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire after winning a host of new contracts from national developers .
The company , which was established in July 2015 , has won contracts from major national housing developers including Redrow , Leadbitter , McCarthy & Stone and Bellway as well as securing work on smaller projects and with private clients .
Practice Directors Marc Powell , Dean Ellis and Clare McKechan have more than 20 years ’ experience working in
Pictured from left are Clare McKechan and Dean Ellis , ESP Design ; Liz Burkinshaw , Rural Innovation Centre ; and Marc Powell , ESP Design
the construction industry .
Marc said : “ Since starting the company it has grown very quickly with commissions for large-scale residential schemes for national developers , smaller developments of less than 20 homes and commercial projects including most recently a new vehicle depot in Redditch .
“ However , we ’ re also able to use our expertise to take on smaller projects for private clients such as extensions and loft conversions .
Liz Burkinshaw , Manager of the Rural Innovation Centre , said : “ ESP Design is a very new company which as a result of quick growth needed its first base . I ’ m delighted that the centre is able to provide a space for them to realise their ambitions and I look forward to supporting the business as it grows .”
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