New partnership will drive forward UK space technology development

An exciting new partnership is set to accelerate the UK’s role in space technology development and next generation scientific missions.

Space Park Leicester and Perpetual Atomics are collaborating with Sidereus Space Dynamics which is committed to making access to orbit ultra-responsive and affordable for organisations.

The collaboration is further reinforced through Sidereus’ dual Memoranda of Understanding with Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park, and Perpetual Atomics which are both at the forefront of space research and energy resilience for space missions. 

The agreements set a new benchmark for how rapidly evolving space technologies can be prototyped, validated, iterated and deployed when and where they are needed most.

Space Park Leicester Executive Director Richard Ambrosi said: “The rapid deployment and validation of space technologies are critical for national security, scientific advancement, and commercial competitiveness. 

“By working with Sidereus, we are enabling responsive access to space, where technologies and missions can be tested, iterated, and launched cost effectively and rapidly.”

Dr Francesca Faedi, Academic Liaison for Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, added: “This partnership will focus on advancing the development of cutting-edge space technologies. 

“Together, we’ll be working on additive manufacturing of space engine components, innovative heat shield development and advanced materials for space applications.

“This collaboration aligns with our commitment to driving innovation in space engineering.”

As a result of the collaboration, UK-based organisations and scientific institutions will gain direct access to the Sidereus EOS system – a single stage to orbit launch vehicle.

This will allow organisations to test mission critical materials and technologies in orbit, demonstrate advanced capabilities in microgravity, very low earth orbit and extended exposure missions, and access an adaptive orbital testing environment to ensure mission readiness and operational superiority.

Sidereus Space Dynamics Chief Operating Officer Luca Principi said: “Sidereus was founded to bring a new paradigm to space access — one where governments, institutions, and industries can deploy technologies precisely when they need them, without waiting for restrictive launch schedules.

“This collaboration with Space Park Leicester is another step toward making that vision a reality.”

Perpetual Atomics Chief Technical Officer Ramy Mesalam added: “Testing materials and technologies in space to raise the technology readiness levels before deployment on missions cost effectively and rapidly is a game changer.

“Through our partnership with Sidereus, we’re ensuring that this approach will accelerate the future deployment of radioisotope power technologies and associated thermal management, power conditioning and storage systems on lunar and deep space missions.”