Higgs Centre for Innovation Relaunches Space Testing Facility with Upgraded Capabilities
The Higgs Centre for Innovation has relaunched its Space Testing Facility after significant upgrades, including new state-of-the-art clean rooms and advanced testing equipment.
Following nine months of renovations and an investment of over £400,000 from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the facility is now open for business. The enhanced space testing capabilities will further support early-stage tech start-ups and space SMEs, providing them with access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise to qualify space hardware for orbit.
Location and Partnerships
The Higgs Centre, part of STFC, is co-located with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) and the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. The site also hosts Scotland’s European Space Agency (ESA) Business Incubation Centre UK, reinforcing its strategic position within the UK’s space sector.
Expanded Testing Capabilities
The primary goal of the renovation was to make the facilities more accessible to a wider range of technology SMEs and space companies, especially given the rapid growth of the UK space sector, with over 180 space companies based in Scotland. The facility now offers an expanded range of equipment for environmental testing, including vibration, thermal, vacuum, optical, SpaceWire, electromagnetic compatibility, and radio frequency testing, essential for ensuring the reliability of small satellites and spacecraft before launch.
The new facilities were designed to meet specifications set by STFC and UK ATC, ensuring that companies can test their products to the exacting standards required by NASA, ESA, and other partners.
Technical Expertise
Beyond advanced equipment and clean rooms, the Higgs Centre offers expert guidance, from designing test regimes to post-test data analysis. Supported by UK ATC’s world-class expertise in remote sensing, calibration, and system verification, the facility plays a crucial role in Scotland’s growing space sector.
These resources provide affordable and timely access to top-tier amenities and expert knowledge, enabling space tech start-ups and SMEs to develop their products more effectively and bring them to market faster.
Supporting Scotland’s Space Industry
Start-ups and SMEs specializing in artificial intelligence, robotics, satellite hardware, and rockets have already made use of the Higgs Centre’s facilities. One example is Edinburgh-based Alpha Data, which provides computer hardware to the space industry.
Andrew McCormick, Technical Director/CTO at Alpha Data, shared:
“Alpha Data sought to undertake vibration testing for our demonstrator, development board, and deployable platform. The support we received from the Higgs Centre allowed us to demonstrate the ruggedness and launch potential of our 3U-VPX MPSoC platform.”
A New Chapter for the Higgs Centre
Dr. Julian Dines, Head of Innovation at the Higgs Centre, expressed his excitement:
“After nine months of hard work, we are thrilled to reopen and invite companies to access our enhanced space testing facilities. This upgrade means a broader range of space testing can now be conducted on-site, improving the reliability of satellites in orbit. We look forward to further supporting the growing space sector in Scotland, particularly as we approach the next phase of space launches from Scotland.”
Euan Harvey, Business Development and Innovation Manager at the Higgs Centre, added:
“I’m delighted we are back open and more equipped to support the industry’s needs. The facility plays a key role in Scotland’s space capabilities, driving innovation within the space ecosystem.”
Annelies Look, Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Delivery Officer at the UK Space Agency, commented:
“The relaunch of the Higgs Centre for Innovation’s Space Testing Facility will benefit both Scotland and the UK, catalyzing investment and strengthening our space sector capabilities. By offering affordable world-class testing equipment and expert guidance, the Higgs Centre is empowering early-stage tech start-ups and space SMEs to innovate, reduce risks, and bring their products to market faster. This ensures that Scotland and the UK remain at the forefront of space exploration and technology, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”
