Boost for UK space sector with multi-million pound investment into rocket test facility

The government has announced today that it is investing in the creation of a new ‘state of the art’ rocket test facility.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway outlined the government’s £4m investment into a new ‘gold standard’ national rocket test centre in Buckinghamshire.

Based in Aylesbury Vale Enterprise Zone, the facility will enable the country’s space businesses to undertake complex spacecraft engine testing.

The facility is expected to create around 60 new jobs as well as support the growth of the UK’s space industry.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway commented: “The UK’s space industry is booming as we invest in our brightest space scientists, the facilities they work in and the technologies they are creating.

“Backed by a £4m government investment, this pioneering UK-based facility will elevate our most ambitious space businesses, enabling them to undertake complex spacecraft engine testing, while boosting the local economy by creating highly skilled jobs.”

Nammo UK has been awarded a contract to install and operate the equipment to be housed within this new facility. Rob Selby, vice president of Nammo Space, added: “Thanks to this key UK government investment, UK space now can compete favourably with the very best rocket test facilities in the world.

“The Nammo team have designed, created and produced this phenomenal, state-of-the-art hotfire test facility that is already driving further growth in UK based spacecraft propulsion businesses.

“We look forward to testing engines for customers from all over the globe and to further key developments that the NSPTF will enable.”