RAL Space to create small satellite calibration facility

As the name suggests, it will specialise in instrument calibration and characterisation, helping to ensure the required performance for both full satellite payloads and components.

Who will be using the facility? Small satellite providers – at short notice, if necessary – to perform essential pre-flight calibration and characterisation tasks for individual satellites. This will help ensure, says RAL Space, that the end-to-end performance of a satellite instrument is understood before it is launched.

“By checking that all on-board instruments are correctly calibrated before launch, the new facility ensures that the satellite will collect reliable, accurate and trusted earth observation (EO) information that can be used by governments to make informed decisions on policies relating to climate change and emission reduction.”

RAL Space

RAL Space, which is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is working with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to deliver the facility. It will draw on expertise from NPL’s STAR-cc-OGSE facility, which specialises in calibrating scientific instruments on satellites before launch.

RAL (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory) Space describes itself as the “UK’s national laboratory advancing the understanding of space and our environment for the benefit o all”.

“We’re thrilled to be delivering this new facility to support the UK’s thriving Earth observation sector,” said Dr Sarah Beardsley, Director at RAL Space. “Thanks to the expertise of RAL Space and NPL staff, the Small Satellite Calibration Facility will play a pivotal role in allowing companies to enhance the quality of their satellite data for a growing user community, at lower cost.”

NPL

NPL highlighted that the new facility forms part of NPL’s commitment to delivering the official UK’s National Space Strategy. For example, it will aim to support the UK becoming a global home for trusted climate and earth information services.

“Space technology, as well as trusted earth observation data, is intrinsic to addressing challenges such as climate change on a global scale,” said Dr Emma Haynes, Partnerships Director at NPL. “By supporting companies in developing and measuring the performance of their instrumentation we’re ensuring they can be used with confidence.”

The new facility forms part of the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s £200m ‘Earth Observation Investment Package’ that was launched last year to encourage innovation in the UK’s EO sector.

Image: RAL – View of R100 building at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)

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