Key Takeaways
- The Advanced Composites Manufacturing Enterprise (ACMA) in Gloucester aims to create over 2,000 jobs and bolster the UK’s space manufacturing sector.
- Developed by iCOMAT, ACMA incorporates innovative Rapid Tow Shearing technology for more efficient and sustainable spacecraft production.
- The facility supports collaboration in the space industry and extends its composite manufacturing capabilities to aerospace and automotive sectors.
New Horizons in Space Manufacturing
The UK has marked a significant advancement in space manufacturing with the opening of the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Enterprise (ACMA) in Hardwicke, Gloucester. This cutting-edge facility, developed by iCOMAT—a spin-out from the University of Bristol—will generate over 2,000 skilled jobs, placing the UK at the leading edge of next-generation spacecraft production. The project received £4.8 million from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, highlighting a commitment to enhancing the nation’s domestic capabilities and global competitiveness.
UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd noted that the ACMA’s launch is a testament to British ingenuity and a strong commitment to supporting the homegrown space sector. The facility is designed to innovate technologies that will benefit various aspects of the space industry, from satellite production to deep-space missions.
The 45,000 sq ft facility showcases iCOMAT’s groundbreaking Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology, which transforms the production of composite materials for spacecraft. This technology enables the creation of ultra-lightweight and highly efficient structures, facilitating substantial reductions in weight and costs, critically addressing fuel efficiency and payload capacity challenges for missions beyond Earth.
Dr. Evangelos Zympeloudis, CEO and Founder of iCOMAT, expressed gratitude for the UK Space Agency’s investment, emphasizing its role in establishing this world-class facility. He highlighted the potential for the ACMA to facilitate more efficient and sustainable vehicles while fostering a domestic supply chain and enhancing the UK’s competitive stance in the global market.
Strategically located in the Western Gateway—a vital region for the UK space ecosystem—the ACMA aims to inspire collaboration between academic institutions, start-ups, and major industry players. The facility’s construction, initiated in 2023, saw a total investment of £8.2 million, including funding from the European Space Agency’s General Support Technology Programme.
The grand opening featured an event with attendees from key organizations such as the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and industry giants like Orbex and Lockheed Martin. Guests toured the fully automated factory floor and witnessed live demonstrations of RTS technology.
ACMA’s infrastructure includes two specialized production lines to cater to diverse space manufacturing markets: the 2D-RTS line handles satellite panels and solar array substrates, while the 3D-RTS line focuses on crafting complex geometries for rockets. The facility operates on an open-access model, allowing partners to utilize its RTS technology for various projects, from retrofitting spacecraft to creating new designs.
While primarily serving the space sector, the ACMA’s composite manufacturing expertise is relevant to other industries such as aerospace and automotive engineering. This versatility supports iCOMAT’s broader mission to revolutionize lightweight design across high-performance markets. The ACMA’s launch signifies a pivotal moment for the UK’s leadership in space manufacturing, promoting innovation, job creation, and sustainability within a global competitive framework.
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