With the recent successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon crew capsule, from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, to the International Space Station (ISS), the space industry has experienced an understandable pique in interest. The mission marked the first time since 2011 that humans had blasted off into orbit from US soil.

Our team at Jaltek Design have been involved in the development of many exciting and diverse space related products over the years, including those with extremes of control systems for spacecraft. Jaltek understands the unique challenges inherent in producing equipment to be used in Space. Specialising in design, PCB lay-out and prototype manufacturing Jaltek ensures a timely, cost effective and seamless transfer in to a Space approved provider. Jaltek’s value engineering team have supported multiple prestigious programmes on behalf of industry organisations.

Most recently we’ve undertaken a large thermal analysis project for a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), which is an un-crewed airship, plane or balloon that watches over Earth from the stratosphere. HAPs operate like satellites but are stationed closer to Earth. They are the 'missing link' between drones that fly close to the Earth's surface and satellites orbiting in space.

We have also been working on a High Altitude Communications platform for a long standing customer that will eventually be transferred on to a CubeSat platform. For this project we have been involved in all stages of the process including; electronic circuit design, PCB Design, Enclosure Design, Thermal Analysis, Mass Analysis, Vibration Analysis, Materials Procurement and PCB Assembly and finally full Electro / Mechanical Assembly.

It is an exciting time for the Space industry, as well as for science and research. The more we are able to learn from Space the more insight we are able to gain in to not only the human body but also food science and many other areas of our everyday lives. To quote the Nasa website; 'Human space exploration helps to address fundamental questions about our place in the Universe and the history of our solar system. Through addressing the challenges related to human space exploration we expand technology, create new industries, and help to foster a peaceful connection with other nations.' We are thrilled to be part of this revolution of knowledge and innovation.

If you have any product development challenges you’d like to discuss please call Chris Day Jaltek’s Technical Director, on 07803 120025 or email chrisd@jaltek.com for help.