British space 3D printing field adds new force – Prometheus-2 and Orbex rocket engine

Jeremy Kun, UK Government Defence Procurement Secretary, said: “Space technology is vital to developing defence capabilities and the launch of Prometheus-2 represents another important step forward for our homegrown space programme. This collaboration with Space Mission and Airbus paves the way for the UK to become a more resilient, stronger and more important global space entity.”

Prometheus Project

Launch countdown

CubeSats will provide a testbed for monitoring radio signals, global positioning systems and sophisticated imaging as the UK space agency works with its allies to develop a more interconnected space communications system. In particular, this mission will help the Ministry of Defence better understand how the UK and its international partners can work together to create a more capable, flexible and lower-cost satellite operations and data processing system.
Ian Annette, deputy chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “We are placing the UK at the forefront of small satellite launches, providing commercial customers and governments with world-leading capabilities in global markets, opening up new opportunities and inspiring The current and next generation of UK space scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. These satellites demonstrate the UK’s strengths in designing and building satellites. Being able to launch from across the UK and Europe for the first time will further advance our satellite industry, creating a nationwide high-skilled employment opportunities and achieve a key objective of the National Space Strategy.
The CubeSats will be launched into low-Earth orbit by Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One rocket and orbit 550 kilometers above Earth. One CubeSat is equipped with a hyperspectral imager, laser detector and GPS receiver to capture higher-resolution images of Earth, while the other CubeSat includes two optical imaging cameras to provide a 180-degree view of the Earth’s surface And observe the first CubeSat.

Meanwhile, Orbex has revealed the first full-scale prototype of its Prime Microlauncher rocket. The company, which initially operated in stealth mode after launching in 2015, popped up in 2018 after raising £30m in funding. Orbex previously partnered with SLMSolutions to develop its 3D printed rocket engine, which in 2019 was considered the largest rocket engine in the world at the time.
In February last year, Orbex commissioned
EOS
Group of companies AMCM builds Europe’s largest industrial3D printer, in order to achieve internal rapid printing of rocket engines. The multi-million pound system will facilitate the printing of more than 35 single pieces per year of the large rocket engine and main stage turbopump system, which are key parts of Orbex’s 19m Prime rocket.
Prime rocket fuel is renewable
biology
Propane fuel, which is reported to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent compared to the kerosene fuel used by most commercial rockets today. The rocket is designed to be reusable so as not to leave any debris in orbit around Earth, and is equipped with a novel recovery and reusability system.

Chris Larmour, chief executive of Orbex, said: “This is a major milestone for Orbex and highlights how far we have come. From the outside it may look like a regular rocket, but on the inside, Prime is like anything else. Different. To achieve performance and environmental sustainability in 21st century rockets, we must innovate in many areas, including low carbon fuels, fully 3D printed rocket engines, very light fuel tanks, and novel low mass reusable technologies “.
The Prime rocket will officially launch from Space Hub Sutherland, a new spaceport under development on the north coast of Scotland. Back in August 2020, the Sutherland Space Hub was the UK’s first vertical spaceport to receive planning permission.
Annett said: “We are on the verge of a historic moment where Orbex is playing a leading role in creating a whole new launch capability for the UK, while creating opportunities for people and businesses across the country. I can’t wait to see Prime from Sarawak. Thran Space Center lifts off.”

Britain’s thriving space sector

The Sutherland Space Centre is one of seven potential spaceports across the UK and, once completed, is expected to create more than 600 jobs in the surrounding area.
Science Minister George Freeman said: “This is a very exciting time for the UK’s space and satellite sector as we count down to the launch of the first satellites from UK Spaceport later this summer. Orbex Prime is an amazing feat of engineering by the British rocket company, pioneering more sustainable innovative fuels and reducing carbon emissions. Seeing more high-quality jobs created by Morey-based Orbex It’s also very good, showing the value of our thriving space sector to supporting emerging innovation clusters to help raise the bar across the UK.”

(responsible editor: admin)