Two of the biggest challenges facing suppliers and academic institutions working within the space industry are providing ‘flight heritage' for their systems and components, and the long lead times associated with proving space technologies.



Satellite companies and others in the space area are understandably reluctant to trust new hardware without proof that it is fit for purpose. But without expensive flight time, it's almost impossible to provide that proof.



TechDemoSat-1 is an attempt to break through that barrier, functioning as an in-orbit test facility for innovative UK devices and software. For further information on this article from Innovate UK – Technology Strategy Board, read here.