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Satellite Applications

AuroraNewsletter

April 2017

ContentsWelcome 3

Addressing Malaysia’s Multi-Billion Dollar Environmental Challenges 3

Catapult Supports UK Innovation in Marine Technology to Avoid Costly Breakdowns at Sea 4

DISC Phase 1 4

In-Orbit Demonstration Programme Update 5

Sentinel Data Access System 5

Developing Satellite-Enabled Maritime Domain Awareness for Chile 6

Using Satellites to Help the Health Industry 6

Sustainable Living 7

Satellite-Enabled Cities 8

UBO – Access to Space for Everyone 9

Precision Management of Grassland Agriculture 10

Feature Facility – Goonhilly Ground Segment 10

ESNC and Copernicus Masters – Launch for 2017 11

Mentoring ESNC 2016 12

Thinking in Design 13

Communicating with Space Day 14

Data.Space 2017 14

Soil Moisture Workshop – Harwell, Oxford 15

Environmental Research Doctoral Training Sandpit 15

Past Events 16

Forthcoming Events 19

Welcome – Stuart Martin

sa.catapult.org.uk Aurora | April 2017 |

As we mark the Catapult’s fourth anniversary, we can celebrate the immensely positive impact we’ve had on the UK and international space community, as well as other industries around the world. Looking ahead, innovation and growth in the UK is now more important to our economy than ever. Aurora showcases our work with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), the platforms and systems we’ve developed to enable businesses to use data more effectively, and the activities we undertake to help new markets understand how satellites can benefit them. All this is fundamental to the continued growth of our sector. This edition spotlights some of our international activities in Malaysia and Chile, the development of our programmes, and the huge amount of work we do to engage the space industry and other sectors through our events and outreach. Enjoy your read.

Under the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme (IPP), we are leading a consortium of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academic organisations in the delivery of an Earth and Sea Observation System (EASOS) for Malaysia.

For this activity, we are working with the National Defence University of Malaysia and other government agencies in the country. The EASOS consortium will address major environmental challenges that are costing the Malaysian government billions of dollars annually. During 2014, the combined impact on the Malaysian economy of flooding, marine pollution and illegal logging was estimated to be more than $12.5 billion, prompting the Malaysian government to identify these three areas as critical priorities.

Using satellite data and satellite-enabled technology, the EASOS programme will deliver, trial and evaluate solutions for flood risk, marine pollution and illegal logging. The consortium will work with the respective Malaysian government departments to encourage them to share common information and applications to support their national infrastructure.

This will be provided through a data and alert delivery interface, providing access to Earth observation (EO) data that is fed into analysis tools to make vital information available to operators and decision makers.

Other consortium members are Janus TCD, Stevenson Astrosat, Geocento, Ambiental, Plymouth Marine Laboratories, AutoNaut, Riskaware, Telespazio VEGA, Earth Observation Inc, Leicester University, Sterling Geo, Oxford University and eOsphere.

Author: Mark Hampson

Addressing Malaysia’s Multi-Billion Dollar Environmental Challenges

Illegal logging in Malaysian Rainforest

EASOS - in support of the Malaysian national infrastructure

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Satellite-linked technology monitors marine diesel engines in operations at sea and keeps vessel operators on shore appraised of engine health.

DISC Phase 1 offers companies the opportunity to lease equipment, floor and office space in a safe and clean environment.

Catapult Supports UK Innovation in Marine Technology to Avoid Costly Breakdowns at SeaOur satellite communications experts have helped develop pioneering technology to improve the efficiency of engine maintenance for shipping. The collaborative R&D project called IConIC (Intelligent Condition monitoring with Integrated Communications) was led by IntelliMon (part of STS Defence Ltd).

Designed to avoid the six-figure cost of breakdowns on the high seas, the satellite-linked technology monitors marine diesel engines in operations at sea and keeps vessel operators on shore appraised of engine health. The Catapult team provided expert advice on hybrid communications to product developers and system architects, and our satellite communications laboratory supported the trial phase to explore the suitability of the different types of equipment available.

“The Catapult’s expertise has been invaluable for assisting the development of the core technology in the product, specifically in the use of different satellite communications system configurations,” said Dr David Garrity, Chief Scientist, STS Defence. “They also assisted us in connecting with commercial airtime providers, leading to exciting new

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potential for future collaboration between companies based at the Catapult and STS with the outputs of IConIC.”

Catapult CEO Stuart Martin added: “IConIC has been a very successful partnership, bringing together technical and industry expertise from across the satellite and maritime sectors. STS Defence has been able to accelerate the development of a ground-breaking technology in the UK that delivers a solution to the challenge of getting live engine data from ship to shore across thousands of ocean miles.”

Author: Marcel Quintana

Satellite communications keeping vessels in touch with operators onshore

In May 2017, the Catapult will be launching Phase 1 of the Disruptive Innovation for Space Centre (DISC), created to tackle some of the critical challenges facing the UK space industry. Phase 1 is funded by Innovate UK and will support the design, manufacture and testing of products for deployment into complex environments. DISC Phase 1 offers companies the opportunity to lease equipment, floor and office space in a safe and clean environment. Facilities include:• a modelling and design lab – for signal

generation and analysis, software defined radio, RF and antenna design, link analysis and mechanical and PCB design

• engineering prototype workshop – PCB rework and inspection, and additive layer manufacturing plastics

• high frequency digital and RF test lab – RF Near Field and Far Field Range, high frequency RF and digital test bench

The Catapult is well placed to run a DISC as we can offer a single point of access to all other Catapult centres and RAL Space. We will capitalise on existing infrastructure, and leverage complementary capabilities in universities, other research institutions and industry where this is applicable and can be made available. The UK has some of the best universities in the world and tapping into UK academia, the DISC team will broker collaboration between

DISC Phase 1

DISC Phase 1 is located in the Catapult building




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SEDAS enables organisations to make use of the vast quantities of satellite data becoming available, free of charge.

The IOD programme reduces the cost of in-orbit demonstration by offering four Cubesat missions, each with a launch from the ISS.

In-Orbit Demonstration Programme UpdateIf you have a technology or service that you are looking to test in space, the In Orbit Demonstration (IOD) Programme remains open for proposals for new missions. The IOD programme reduces the cost of in-orbit demonstration by offering four CubeSat missions each with a launch from the International Space Station (ISS).

A first set of applications have been reviewed and we have started a maturation phase of 2 months with shortlisted candidates aiming for the first launch in Spring 2018. Announcements on the successful outcome of this round are due at the end of May. The next shortlisting round for the following mission (launch Autumn 2018) will take place in the Summer 2017.

The IOD team encourages anyone interested in applying to the programme to get in touch as soon as possible so they

can identify any support that might require to complete a mission proposal or build a mission consortium.

IOD is open to any company or consortium which can demonstrate the commercial potential of a service and a route to market.

Further information on the IOD programme can be found at: sa.catapult.org.uk/iod

Author: Florian Deconinck

Artists impression of cubesats in space

Sentinel Data Access SystemThe Sentinel Data Access System (SEDAS) which launched in September 2016, has been positively received by its users and is already making a difference to how some businesses work. SEDAS is jointly funded by the UK Space Agency and the Catapult, and supported by Demios Space UK, Airbus Defence & Space and Geocento. It provides an online data hub to enable end-users to access Sentinel 1&2 data – two of the

Copernicus Earth observation satellite programme commissioned by the European Union and the European Space Agency.

SEDAS was created to help organisations make use of the vast quantities of satellite data becoming available, free of charge, from public and private satellite operators. Through our premium web-based interface, end-users can learn about,

Sentinel-2, false colour composite of occidental glacier, Bernardo O’Huggins National Park, Chile

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industrial organisations and research teams for use of the facilities. If you have an idea or want to know more about how DISC could help you, please

email: [email protected] and find out how this new facility can potentially support your innovation and growth.

Author: Chris Reeve



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We are working alongside the Chilean Navy as they undertake an anti-Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing operation in their extensive maritime economic zone.

Within the Government’s NHS Healthy New Towns agenda, we have won a feasibility project to focus on how satellite applications can enhance a diabetes and obesity digital therapeutic programme.

Developing Satellite-Enabled Maritime Domain Awareness for Chile

Monitoring illegal fishing off the cost of Chile

As part of the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme (IPP), we are working with Chilean officials on the Satellite-Enabled Maritime Domain Awareness for Chile (SEMDAC) project to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country.

SEMDAC aims to demonstrate the value of using satellite data and advanced algorithms in detecting IUU fishing. It will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the techniques and estimate the socio-economic impact of implementing a sustainable service. The effectiveness will be demonstrated by working alongside the Chilean Navy as they undertake an anti-IUU operation in their extensive marine economic zone.

The project builds upon the work we have undertaken over the past three years, with partners around the world to address the challenges of IUU fishing. Chile is the tenth largest fishing nation in the world – contributing 1.5% of the world’s global catch – and therefore stopping IUU fishing is likely to make a significant contribution to the Chilean economy.

Rear Admiral Mario Montejo, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations in the Chilean Navy, said: “The SEMDAC operational test and evaluation prototype should help us detect ships that don’t have their automatic identification system (AIS) switched on. It will be incorporated alongside other existing systems into a major research and development project in order to determine the best solution for our country.”

Author: Mark Hampson

The Catapult is working with a number of organisations where satellite data is helping the UK healthcare system by providing information more quickly, which can help saves lives.

Diabetes & Obesity ManagementWithin our Government Services programme we have won a feasibility study project as part of the NHS Healthy New Towns (HNT) agenda. This initial piece of work focuses on how satellite applications can enhance a diabetes and obesity digital therapeutic programme. Initial funding is £200,000 (half from NHS,

half from the Science and Technology Facilities Council [STFC]) to explore satellite-enabled preventative measures.

We will be using satellite communications and Earth observation capabilities to explore improved obesity and diabetes

Using Satellites to Help the Health Industry

Using satellite data to help the NHS’s digital therapeutic programme

discover and analyse Earth observation (EO) data, see news and download educational content. SEDAS is available to expert and non-expert users, enabling organisations with all levels of experience to access, use and benefit from EO data. We hope that SEDAS will help support UK

users to produce world leading innovative products, services and applications.

To find out more visit: http://sedas.satapps.org

Author: Lorraine Moody




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Satellite data is being used to help with the measurement and management of activity levels and personalised use of air quality mapping data. Helping to enhance emergency response times.

management programmes centred on the measurement and management of activity levels and personalised use of air quality mapping data. Once the initial feasibility study is completed and accepted, this should lead to a large-scale implementation programme that will have significant health benefits and help with some of the major sustainability challenges facing the NHS.

Air Pollution & Artificial IntelligenceIn early 2017, STFC ran a competition seeking innovative projects from industry/

academia aligned with partners in Harwell, with awards of £20,000 on offer. Of the 10 successful candidates, three were submitted in partnership with the Catapult. Two are focused on air quality mapping and monitoring using innovative tools and approaches – one with Rheatech, another with Drayson Technologies. The third is an artificial intelligence voice support system – CHATS – to support wellbeing for our ageing population.

Satellite-Enabled Emergency VehiclesWe have submitted proposals to the NHS for two ambulance connectivity projects and should hear shortly whether these are successful. The aim is to trial satellite-enabled vehicles and explore the extent to which they can enhance emergency response in areas such as better clinical decision-making at the scene to reduce the level of patient conveyance, better decisions on where to take patients, better access to clinical advice and guidance in transit and better 'handover' to urgent care departments.

Author: Adrian Smith

Our Sustainable Living programme has been developed to identify and create opportunities to embed satellite technology and data into services and solutions that enable the agriculture sector, extractive industries, and water and energy operators to grow sustainably. Our role is to understand the challenges faced by those working in these sectors, raise awareness of satellite capabilities and work in collaboration with potential customers and industry to develop innovative solutions. We have identified four areas in which we think satellite data and technology can make a difference.

AgricultureWe are working on several applications and research projects with agri-tech partners using optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation (EO) data to monitor crop growth and health in the UK and internationally. We are also working with partners to develop sensor networks – with ground-based sensors connected to a central hub – for arable and livestock farming, in order to demonstrate the benefits of an integrated communications solution.

Another strand is the development of a technology demonstrator in the form of

Sustainable Living

FEATURE PROgRAMME

a rapid prototyping environment, which will enable end-users to simultaneously visualise and interact with different types of geospatial information. Our goals are to enable a faster route to market for commercial solutions and promote greater market adoption, thus adding value to the sector.

Extractive Industries and InfrastructureOur environmental monitoring platform concept brings together various forms of EO data, sensor data and analysis techniques in a toolkit that will enable organisations to plan for and monitor the impact of various activities. Ground and aerial data will be assimilated into the platform, which will offer new ways to visualise the data.

Farmer ploughing field




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In 2050, two-thirds of people across the world will live in towns and cities – a massive change from 1950 when two-thirds lived in rural areas.

By 2050, two-thirds of people across the world will live in towns and cities – a major change from 1950 when two-thirds lived in rural areas. This shift to urbanisation presents a huge opportunity for satellite-based solutions that can be used by end-users, including government organisations, for a range of planning and management solutions. The smart cities industry is expected to grow to more than US$400 billion globally by 2020, and we are making sure that satellites will play a key role in this growth. How Satellites Can HelpWithin urban environments, satellites will play a pivotal role in supporting sustainability, mobility, connectivity, health and resilience. The three types of satellites – positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), Earth observation and communications – all have a role to play in cities for applications that include urban planning, air quality monitoring, flood warning, remote healthcare and enhanced traffic management. Much of

the required technology already exists, so the primary requirement is new business and service models. Catapult RoleOur role is to bring together diverse stakeholders, while our broad technical expertise and facilities can be used to test and develop future solutions. The Satellite-Enabled Cities Thread supports the vision of data-enabled, proactive decision-making in cities. We believe that satellites offer a unique opportunity to enhance urban living and want to ensure that this technology is a recognised viable solution within the smart cities industry. This will be achieved by forming key partnerships and implementing a series of market-led projects, that enable industry to rapidly

Satellite-Enabled Cities

FEATURE THREAD

Water resource managementWe support developments in the use of optical and SAR EO data to monitor fresh water resources in riverine, coastal and estuarine environments, and the development of wide area sensor networks for water quality monitoring in remote areas.

Energy infrastructure monitoringWe are developing a capability hub for access to state-of-the-art satellite technologies which could be used in external hazard assessments for power generating and transmitting sites.

Author: Vladimir Stoiljkovic

Our Sustainable Living Programme will help identify and create opportunities to help the agriculture sector, extractive industries, and water and energy operators to grow more sustainably.




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UBO’s newly-produced outreach materials include a step-by-step booklet that guides users through its build and programming.

UBO step-by-step guide

UBO is a Catapult initiative that aims to promote ease of access to space to the public. It is based on a 5cm × 5cm × 5cm picosatellite, inspired by real satellite engineering, which would give everyone the opportunity to learn how space is integrated into our everyday lives. The team’s ambition is to open up space to creative new minds who will be the next generation of space engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Since being initiated by Chris Brunskill, UBO’s scope and opportunity have grown significantly, and the project has been taken on by our interns. Most recently, Tom Oaten has developed outreach materials for UBO, building upon the technical work undertaken by former intern George Addison, who is now a permanent Catapult Nanosatellite Electronics Engineer.

The newly-produced outreach materials include a step-by-step booklet that guides users through the build and programming

of UBO, and a revamped website to make it more user-friendly and encourage a community to grow.

The next major milestone for UBO will be showcasing the technology at the UK Space Conference in May. This will be displayed alongside the In-Orbit Demonstration Programme (run by the Catapult) and Clyde Space’s Nanobed as a demonstration of how users can engage with the space industry.

Find out more about UBO at: http://buildubo.co.uk

Author: Tom Oaten

UBO – Access to Space for Everyone

UBO nanosatellite exploded illustration

prototype and commission new services and applications, in partnership with end-user communities.

Next StepsWe are actively developing a UK ecosystem that includes stakeholders from across industry, academia and government, and therefore welcome opportunities to engage with new

organisations that have an interest in smart cities. We are working to identify how satellite applications and services can be integrated into everyday life to increase capacity, efficiency and growth in urban locations, and have projects underway that include areas such as healthy living, city resilience and ecosystem services.

Author: Dan Wicks



A field trip with farmers for Grassland pilot project

Precision Management of Grassland Agriculture

Goonhilly Ground Segment

The Catapult is undertaking a pilot research project into the use of data from satellite Earth observation (EO) and other emerging technologies alongside field data to support precision management of grassland agriculture. The project is being run within this year’s growing season in collaboration with the Agri-EPI Centre and Cranfield University.

Over the past few years, the UK dairy industry has faced severe economic challenges and there is widespread industry interest in better utilisation of grazed grass, as it is the least expensive feed. However, many farmers do not fully exploit the potential of their grazing systems. For example, cattle may graze outdoors for less than six months of the year when grazing conditions are favourable, and are then housed indoors for the remainder of the year.

This pilot project aims to support the development of a validated spatial

In 2016, the Catapult took ownership of the ground segment facility at Goonhilly in Cornwall. The location has an operational S and X band tracking dish antenna, an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) / Very High Frequency (VHF) system, and a multi-mission capable facility that is dynamically reconfigurable on a pass-by-pass basis.

This facility also provides customers with a ‘bring-your-own solution’, where equipment provided by a third party can be installed into the ground segment. It offers a high level of connectivity, and data can be sent back to our facilities at Harwell.

(and dynamic) grazing management service for livestock keepers, and particularly dairy farmers. The focus is on the ‘fringes’ of the grass-growing season, when use of informed and precise decision support tools for grazing management could extend the grazing season by a number of weeks. This could lead to significant cost reductions and business benefits across the dairy industry.

There have been many studies on crop-based satellite EO imagery and associated commercial offerings, but the application of EO technology to grassland is in its infancy. Understanding both grass biomass and nutritional quality, and how this relates to grazing livestock at either end of the grass-growing season, will provide farmers with a valuable tool to help them maximise use of their grazing resources.

Author: Mark Jarman

Demonstrating the connectivity radius of the Goonhilly facility


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Our Grassland Pilot Project aims to support the development of a validated spatial grazing management service for livestock keepers, particularly dairy farmers.

Goonhilly – a new Catapult facility – provides customers with a ‘bring-your-own solution’, where equipment provided by a third-party can be installed into the ground segment.

FEATURE FACILITy




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The European Satellite Navigation Competition and the Copernicus Masters open on 1st April 2017.

Our Goonhilly ground station offers a high level of connectivity, and data can be sent back to our facilities at Harwell.

Our expertise in this area can be used to assist with planning new missions and reviewing operational requirements. With this type of antenna being fairly unique in the UK, our aim is to allow customers to use this capability at a low cost per pass basis.

Tracking Dish AntennaOur tracking dish antenna system consists of a 3.7m dish with a dedicated cabin to house racks with the control and processing equipment. The antenna is controlled by a powerful dedicated software on a server from the control cabin, with the software enabling the antenna to track specific spacecraft. The software can also control the Up-converters, Down-converters, Amplifiers and the RF Switching Matrix, allowing the receive and control equipment to be configured for each spacecraft on a pass-by-pass basis. The software can be remotely controlled and monitored from the Catapult’s operation headquarters in Harwell.

UHF/VHF SystemOur VHF and UHF uplink/downlink system is intended for tracking, telemetry and control (TT&C). The VHF and UHF antennas are co-located on the tracker, so one satellite is tracked at a time. In addition to the proposed UHF/VHF system, other systems can be installed, either on behalf of a customer or on a customer furbished basis.

Support equipmentAs well as the TT&C, data and control equipment, the ground segment has a networked video camera with IR illumination for monitoring the antennas and cabin 24/7. The site also features a network connected anemometer which allows wind speed and direction, as well as external temperature, to be monitored.

Virtualised InfrastructureIn support of the ground segment system, we have a virtualised environment offering several additional facilities, which can be of great benefit in supporting satellite missions.

Author: Lorraine Moody

On 1 April 2017, Europe’s leading competitions for satellite applications ideas will open for entries – the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) and Copernicus Masters.

Over the past few years, the UK has achieved great success in the rounds of both competitions. In 2016, a team from the University of Strathclyde won the UK region of ESNC and went on to beat 412 ideas from across Europe to be awarded the Overall ESNC Winner. The team achieved national publicity on the BBC, a cash prize and extensive business support, helping them to accelerate their technology development. The team’s winning application idea uses GNSS for

the early detection and tracking of drones, providing a cost-effective, sensor-based solution for monitoring areas where security is paramount.

In 2017, ESNC entrants will need to apply to the UK region of the competition by completing a simple online form where they outline their idea, the innovation and the commercial opportunity.

Copernicus Masters is Europe’s leading Earth observation ideas competition. EnviroSA, from the University of Manchester, won the Catapult’s Sustainable Living Challenge in the 2016 Copernicus Masters with their innovative application of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to the

ESNC and Copernicus Masters – Launch for 2017

Goonhilly ground station satellite dish




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GUAPO exploits proprietary research IP and is developing a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy solution to detect, classify and track commercially available UAVs.

ESNC and Copernicus Masters winners receive a cash prize, national and international publicity, as well as extensive business support.

of building a consortium with large corporates involved in the defence and security markets.

GUAPO was introduced to FlyFlock who are linking them to an opportunity at the UK Ministry of Justice to solve their ‘drones near prisons problem’.

On 1 March 2017 the GUAPO team attended a full-day Catapult Sprint in the ‘Design Cave’; the focus was to help them structure and plan for a series of live-trials with the aim of increasing the market-readiness of the solution under development. During the Sprint, led by Francesco Liucci and Fernando Carballal, we conducted an in-depth analysis on the competitive landscape, highlighting

The University of Strathclyde team ‘GUAPO’ won the Regional Winner (UK) and Overall Winner of the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) in October 2016.

GUAPO exploits proprietary research IP and is developing a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy solution to detect, classify and track the large majority of the commercially available Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). In the aftermath of the award ceremony, GUAPO has received overwhelming media coverage, including a live interview on BBC Breakfast.

As part of the ESNC Prize, the GUAPO team was awarded a €10,000 cash prize, along with a £5,000 support package from the Catapult.

At the November Satuccino, GUAPO presented their solution, while the Catapult business modelling team facilitated the introductions to the European Space Agency (ESA) Ambassador and the ESA BIC Harwell Manager, to gather more information on grant funding available.

The Catapult business modelling team started to scope out potential exploitation routes for their solution, including the definition of a ‘live-trial’ and the prospect

Mentoring ESNC 2016

monitoring of wildfires to support detection and restoration. The team has received extensive business support and won a place on the Copernicus Accelerator Bootcamp. This programme will run again in 2017.

Both competitions will close for entries on the 30 June. If you are interested in applying, we will again be running information sessions to guide you through the application process. Details of these events will be posted on the Catapult website. Good luck!

Author: Kirsten RobinsonStuart Martin, CEO, with EnviroSAR team, winners of UK’s challenge for Copernicus Masters 2016

GUAPO team at the Catapult during their Business Sprint

ESNC winners 2016 – GUAPO from the University of Strathclyde.

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Catapult Design Thinkers give a guest lecture at University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art.

The Award had a massive impact on the development of their technology and allowed them to identify a wider set of opportunities and potential partners.

whose starting point had to be a real societal problem. The outputs of the day were fascinating and varied, ranging from using analysis of snow melt on mountains to predict irrigation requirements, to detecting smoke and hotspots for forest fires.

The presentation at the Glasgow School of Art was to the students of the Product Design Engineering Masters course, who have both a technical and design background, but little experience in how these links could create a viable business proposition. This session was focused on how design and business innovation are linked at the Catapult, and how design in used more broadly in the space industry to understand users, contexts and strategies for product development.

As well as strengthening the existing relationships between Harwell and Glasgow, several students have already expressed an interest in starting a satellite-enabled business and come forward to seek Catapult support, as well as asking about the SPIN internship scheme, mentoring opportunities and the forthcoming European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) and Copernicus Masters competitions. We hope to continue this type of university outreach as a way of making the space industry more accessible to the next generation, and empowering them with the knowledge that will support their innovations in the future.

Author: Joel Freedman

In March, Dan Watson and Joel Freedman – two of our Design Thinkers – travelled to Glasgow to give a guest lecture at University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art. The opportunity came about through our Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, who invited them after hearing about the exciting Catapult Business Design Sprint process.

The lecture and subsequent workshop at University of Strathclyde was to a mixed group of engineering students who were all taking a spaceflight systems course, and was intended to promote thinking about problem-solving beyond technology solutions. Engineering courses tend to focus on technology methods and creation, rather than insights into the people who the technology is helping, and the afternoon session introduced the students to the various design and business considerations that require contemplation when creating any new technology.

The students undertook a group exercise, designing cubesat constellation projects

Thinking in Design

extremely fruitful and the business development part of the award allowed us to progress in the development of our business idea, identifying stakeholders and potential routes for commercialisation,” said GUAPO team leader, Dr Carmine Clemente.

The GUAPO team is currently seeking strategic partnerships with a specific focus on the prison market, where the threats from drones have increased by a staggering 1,500% in the last three years.

Author: Francesco Liucci

their Unique Selling Points (USP) and identifying trial users and prospect customers, as well as defining key metrics and strategic use cases to support product development.

The GUAPO team was extremely enthusiastic about the supported provide to date. "We had a great experience participating in the ESNC. The award had a massive impact on the development of our technology and allowed us to identify a wider set of opportunities and potential partners. The support of the Catapult has been

Group exercises, looking at societal problems.



In February, the inaugural Data.Space 2017 conference, which was created and developed by the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, brought together over 170 delegates from 14 countries around the globe to collaborate, network and question the exploration and exploitation of new data sets from satellites. Speakers from global organisations such as Spire, Planet, Descartes Labs, European Space Agency, European Commission, Innovate UK and the Catapult came together in Glasgow on 1-2 February 2017 for the event.

“The event really put Scotland on the map,” said Dr Hina Bacai, Innovation Lead. “It made people sit up and look to see what’s going on.

“The international delegates said that they were very impressed that we had brought together people from businesses and organisations using satellite data and those with challenges that the data can address, as well as people from Scotland’s space sector. The conference

allowed a lot of people to come together and meet each other who may not necessarily have otherwise met.”

At the event, Scotland was showcased as being at the forefront of developing and commercialising data-led applications that are rapidly changing the way we live and interact with our environment.

Data.Space will return next year on 1-2 February 2018 in Glasgow.

Author: gemma Wilson

As part of British Science Week, the Catapult opened its doors on 10 March to more than 40 students from Nova Hreod Academy, Thomas Deacon Academy, Bedford School and Winchcombe School for our ‘Communicating with Space Day’.

The day’s events provided an opportunity for the students to gain an introduction to space and satellites, and learn about some of the technology that impact our daily lives. This included hands-on activities, such as getting to grips with our UBO microsatellite and learning about space rovers and robotics from the RAL Space Robotics Team.

The Catapult’s Head of Knowledge Exchange, Nafeesa Dajda, said: “Welcoming so many young people to the

Catapult provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with them directly and really enthuse them about how satellites and space positively affect our lives. Hopefully this exposure will inspire them to want to learn more about the industry and maybe even choose a related career.”

The feedback from pupils and teachers alike was very positive, with one student saying: “I love it! It was really fascinating and educational”, while two of the teachers described the day as “brilliant” and “fantastic”.

Author: gemma Wilson


Communicating with Space Day – Catapult opens its doors to local schools.

Data.Space 2017 – brought together 170 delegates from 14 countries to collaborate, network, question and exploit new data sets available from satellites.

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Data.Space 2017

Communicating with Space Day

Students building a pocketqube

Students gaining an introduction to space and satellites

Stuart Martin CEO, presenting at Data.Space 2017




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The workshop explored the latest research and technology in satellite remote sensing, soil moisture data models and ground-based sensor networks.

University students attended an Environmental Research two-day sandpit on applications of satellite data.

In December 2016, the Catapult partnered with the University of Oxford Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) in Environmental Research to run a two-day, business challenge focused sandpit on the application of satellite data to sectors including sustainable cities, fisheries and agriculture. A range of University of Oxford

students attended, as well as others from University College London, University of Leeds, University of Reading and University of Edinburgh.

The workshop began with presentations from industry, including Michael Lawrence from Deimos Space UK,

businesses are in urgent need of better information. From the workshop it’s clear that Earth observation has a key role to play in developing the solutions industry desperately requires.”

The event was extremely successful at stimulating discussion and developing understanding across the different participant groups. Delegates went away having been exposed to the many different facets of the subject and having made useful new contacts. A full report, including the workshop’s recommendations, will be published on the Catapult website.

Author: Richard Lamb Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Institute

for Environmental Analytics (IEA), based at the University of Reading

On 25 January, two of the Catapult’s Knowledge Exchange Fellows, Sarah Johnson and Richard Lamb, brought together 50 delegates representing academics, business, government and other not-for-profit organisations interested in exploiting and using soil moisture information at a workshop hosted by the Catapult.

The workshop explored the UK’s interests and expertise in this diverse field, looking at the latest research and technology in satellite remote sensing, soil moisture data models and ground-based sensor networks, along with presentations from industry representatives detailing their requirements for future systems.

Dr Sarah Johnson said: “We had identified that the soil moisture community was very fragmented and felt that the Catapult was the ideal place to bring it together to discuss how to improve knowledge exchange across all the interested groups.”

One of the main issues identified was the lack of access to soil moisture information. Even when such information existed, there was a lack of knowledge about the different options and types of data available, and where it could be accessed from.

Dr Richard Lamb said: “There is not only academic interest in soil moisture, but

Environmental Research Doctoral Training Sandpit

Measurement of moisture and soil fertility

Soil Moisture Workshop – Harwell, Oxford

Students attending Environmental Research event




Students worked in groups to explore ideas and potential solutions to business challenges, then improved the business cases by using tools such as the business model canvas.

The Catapult held a showcase event for MPs to demonstrate some of the projects where satellite technology is bringing benefits across the UK.

industry representatives. The winning team was invited back to the Catapult to explore their ideas further.

Dr Simon Jackman, Senior Innovation Fellow at the University of Oxford, said: “The sandpit was a great example of being able to bring together a range of students and business development professionals so that our students understand how to take ideas forward into business solutions and how to use satellite data to help address environmental challenges. We had really positive feedback from the students and several ideas are brewing!”

Author: Nafeesa Dajda

who provided examples of businesses using satellite data to tackle societal challenges. Then, using a design- centred process, the students explored data and generated ideas while learning about the nature, applications and availability of satellite data. They worked in groups to explore ideas and potential solutions to the business challenges. Finally, the students improved their business cases by using tools available at the Catapult, such as the business model canvas, to develop their ideas into practical solutions.

On the second day, the students pitched their solutions to a panel of academia and

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Past EventsOxford Farming ConferenceDate: 3-5 January 2017 Venue: Oxford University Examination Schools

The Oxford Farming Conference took place in January 2017. We exhibited at this event in support of our agriculture strategy that aims to collaborate with stakeholders from across the agri-tech supply chain to maximise the potential growth for satellite applications in this area.

DEFRA visits the CatapultDate: 4 January 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

Mr George Eustice MP, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), visited the Catapult in January to understand our agricultural work within our Sustainable Living programme.

Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy visitDate: 12 January 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

Dr Rannia Leontaridi, Director for Disruptive Businesses at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), visited the Catapult and RAL Space in January. Several businesses took part in the roundtable discussion, including Airbus, Bird.i, Deimos Space UK, Oxford Space Systems and Satellite Solutions Worldwide. The Catapult did a presentation on the Disruptive Innovation for Space Centre (DISC), which was followed by demonstrations and tours around the Catapult and RAL Space R100 buildings.

MP ShowcaseDate: 13 January 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

During January, the Catapult held a showcase event for local MPs to see some of the projects we are involved in where satellite technology is making fundamental changes and bringing benefits across the UK economy and internationally. They also had the opportunity to meet a variety of SMEs working alongside the Catapult.

SatuccinoDate: 1 February 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

This first Satuccino of 2017 took place on Wednesday 1 February, with over 70 people attending from across the space

Nicola Blackwood MP, for Oxford West and Abingdon visits the Catapult




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The Catapult took part in the African Mining Indaba Conference to help create a marketplace for UK satellite applications companies.

As part of the Science in Innovation Audits, we held a one-day workshop to test the hypothesis: "Oxfordshire will have 10,000 employees across the space-led data applications value chain.”

sector. The 60-second presentation pitches covered topics such as an update on the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme (IPP) in Malaysia, the In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) programme and opportunities in Peru. Company pitches were given by Living PlanIT, Krypton TV, Green Sea, TCarta Marine and there were cluster pitches from Innovate UK, Rasters Revealed and Oxford University.

If you want to get involved or find out more about our monthly Satuccinos, please visit: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/media-events/events/

Investing in African Mining IndabaDate: 6-9 February 2017 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa

The Catapult took part in the Investing in African Mining Indaba Conference & Expo in the UK Pavilion to support our Environmental Monitoring for the Extractive Industries thread and to create a marketplace for UK satellite applications companies to deliver services to support responsible and sustainable growth of extractive activities worldwide.

This annual conference brought together stakeholders, ministers, officials, operators and service providers, attracting over 7,000 delegates from more than 110 countries. With innovation being the key in meeting the challenges currently facing the mining sector, this gave us an exceptional opportunity to engage with representatives of Africa’s mining industry and present satellite capabilities in one of the world's biggest mining events.

Shaping the Future of Space Applications in Oxfordshire WorkshopDate: 23 February 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

In the UK Government’s Autumn Statement, Oxfordshire was announced as one of the successful regions for the

second wave of Science & Innovation Audits (SIA). SIAs are designed to map out local research, innovation and infrastructure strengths across the UK to ensure future investment is properly targeted. As part of the SIA, the Satellite Applications Catapult held a 1-day workshop to test the hypothesis: "Oxfordshire will have 10,000 employees across the space-led data applications value chain by 2030 (UK space industry target of 100,000 jobs by 2030)."

To find out more please contact: [email protected]

Serbian VisitDate: 27-28 February 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

At the end of February, the Catapult’s Government Services team, in collaboration with Land Registry, hosted a study visit for a delegation from the Serbian Republic Geodetic Authority (RGA) as part of the RGA’s World Bank Real Estate Management project. The delegates discussed the latest developments in satellite capability and applications, and how these can underpin a sustainable business model for the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence on Geospatial Information. The Catapult facilitated a mini showcase of SMEs’ capability where Deimos UK, GMV, IMGeospatial and JBA Consultants demonstrated applications in agriculture, flooding and planning. The knowledge exchange concluded with a visit to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Ordnance Survey (OS).

Satellites Enabling a Better World 2017Date: 9 March 2017 Venue: Hilton Newcastle, UK

The annual conference of the North East Satellite Applications Catapult Centre of Excellence highlighted the real business opportunities and challenges that exist when developing and commercialising

Shaping the future of space applications workshop

Estel Blay explains to delegates the benefits satellites are bringing to the mining sector



https://sa.catapult.org.uk/media-events/events/

https://sa.catapult.org.uk/media-events/events/


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The Catapult and Innovate UK have hosted two interactive webinars on the IOD programme. IOD is open to any company or partnership who want to test their service/application or product in space.

Antonia Jenkinson, CFO/COO at the Catapult speaking at the SFN event

Clyde Space CubeSat to be launched from ISS

data-led applications for use within industry, focusing particularly on: transport, innovation and infrastructure; public health, wellbeing and social care; sustainable cities and communities; and drone technology. Attendees heard about how to deliver into high tech supply chains, finding new applications for their products within the space industry and available support.

To find out more contact: [email protected]

Disrupt Space Summit Date: 14-15 March 2017 Venue: Berlin, germany

The Disrupt Space Summit connects entrepreneurs with decision makers to collaboratively solve today's problems using space. Its mission is to build a global hub for entrepreneurs to create and grow space start-ups, to foster international collaboration and to help break down barriers between space and other sectors. The 2017 event was dedicated in particular to young entrepreneurs building new space businesses.

For more information please visit: http://disruptspace.io

Smart & Well ConferenceDate: 16 March 2017 Venue: Newquay, Cornwall

This event was hosted by our South West Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications to look at the challenges faced Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in terms of connectivity. The event offered a mix of presentations and open discussion to outline insights and research discoveries that provide a new perspective on the region. Alan Cox, the Catapult’s Chief Commercial Officer, attended this event and provided the keynote speech, including a case study of the CLASP Environment, Resilience Resources and Support project.

For more information please visit: http://www.sacatapultcoe.org/centre/south-west/events/smart-and-well-conference

The Satellite Finance Network’s Annual Conference Date: 20 March 2017 Venue: Inmarsat, London

The Satellite Finance Network’s 6th annual conference was hosted by Inmarsat in London, and focused on nascent and growing businesses in the UK space sector. This year’s keynote speaker was Minister Mark Garnier, Parliamentary

Under-Secretary for the Department for International Trade. The event included panel discussions from space company CEOs, successfully developing SMEs and finance experts. SFN events are an excellent opportunity for individuals or businesses looking to develop in the UK space sector.

In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) Programme WebinarDate: 7 February 2017 Venue: Webinars

The Catapult and Innovate UK have hosted two interactive webinars on the IOD programme, which offers a fast, low-cost opportunity to trial your service or technology on a CubeSat mission that will be launched from the International Space Station. There will be four IOD missions, each designed to make in-space testing affordable, helping companies, research institutes and universities to accelerate towards ‘proof of concept’ stage. For each mission we are offering:• a Clyde Space CubeSat platform• a launch with NanoRacks from the

International Space Station*

Created by Innovate UK and managed by the Catapult, IOD is open to any company or partnership that can demonstrate the commercial potential of a mission and a clear route to market for their service. The Catapult can help you build a consortium (which could be finding a technology

The Disrupt Space Summit connected entrepreneurs with decision – makers to collaboratively solve today's problems using space.

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The Catapult supported the biennual UKspace SME event, which took place at ECSAT to help SMEs explore joint business opportunities and gain an insight into Thales Alenia Space.

Delegates at the TAS-UK supply chain event

After a successful antenna workshop in 2014, we are hosting a follow-on workshop in collaboration with the KTN's Satellite Terminals Working Group.

Antenna WorkshopDate: 6 April 2017 Venue: Satellite Applications Catapult

After a successful antenna workshop in 2014 which attracted over 50 delegates, we are hosting a follow-on workshop in collaboration with the Knowledge Transfer Network’s Satellite Terminals Working Group (STWG). The focus of this workshop is antennas for satellite communication (satcomm) terminals.

The workshop, which is open to any organisation interested in satcomm antennas, aims to inform delegates about current satcomm technology, including the challenges and the latest in technological developments, and bring together satellite operators, terminal manufacturers, antenna suppliers and academics. Activities will include a small exhibition, a visit to our Farfield Antenna Test Range and a networking lunch.

For more information email: [email protected] or check our website.

Engage Conference Developed by Digitalglobe Date: 25-26 April 2017 Venue: 8 Northumberland Avenue, London

The Catapult will be exhibiting at Engage 2017, a two-day event designed for senior level executives from government and private organisations leveraging

that can deliver your service or a service provider for your technology) so that you can define a mission and develop the commercial opportunity. The webinars, which are available to view online, include an overview of the IOD programme and application process, and details of the support services available.

For more information and to view the webinars please visit: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/iod

Thales Alenia Space and UKspace Supply Chain DayDate: 22 March 2017 Venue: ECSAT, Harwell Campus

Thales Alenia Space UK (TAS-UK) and UKspace held a supply chain event at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in Harwell, supported by the Catapult and the European Space Agency (ESA). The

location information to enable smarter decisions. Engage 2017 presents a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most innovative companies in our world today, network, forge new business partnerships and identify new user requirements. Stuart Martin, CEO, will be giving a presentation on the Catapult's role in the UK space sector.

For more information on the Catapult's involvement email: [email protected] more information about the event please visit: http://engageemear.digitalglobe.com

Computation Meets Data ScienceDate: 11 May 2017 Venue: Digital Catapult, Euston Road, London

Data science professionals, Wolfram technology experts and members of the

objective was to explore joint business opportunities and help SMEs gain an insight into the TAS-UK supply chain process by offering one-to-one sessions with the TAS-UK procurement team. There was also an overview of the ESA co-funding programme ARTES Core Competitiveness Initiative and the Entry Programme for newcomers.

For more information visit: https://artes.esa.int/core-competitiveness

Forthcoming Events



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Cereals conference 2016

Catapult network are coming together to share their knowledge and experience with you at the Computation Meets Data Science conference. Hear their opinions, discuss your own challenges and network with other attendees whilst seeing the latest advances in computational technology. Featured topics include machine learning, data visualisation, advanced analytics, infographics, with applications ranging from healthcare to finance, digital manufacturing to the internet of things, and many more! To register, please visit: https://www.wolfram.com/events/computation-data-science-conference-london-2017/

UK Space ConferenceDate: 30 May – 1 June 2017 Venue: Manchester Central Convention Complex

The Catapult will be taking part in this year’s UK Space Conference in Manchester, which brings together the UK and international space communities, including government, industry, academia, end-users, education providers, researchers and the financial community, and is set to be the best and biggest ever.

Catapult staff will be taking part in several of the 28 sessions over the three-day period, and we have invited some local organisations to discuss the proposed transport infrastructure developments in Manchester.

To find out more about the conference or register please visit: http://ukspace2017.co.uk

Cereals 2017Date: 14-15 June 2017 Venue: Boothby graffoe, Lincolnshire

Cereals 2017 brings together farmers, agronomists and industry and is the arable industry’s leading technical event. We will be attending, as agri-tech is one of the focuses of our Sustainable Living programme, and our aim is to help improve decision-making in agri-tech services by developing integrated satellite technologies to deliver cost reduction, increased yields and reduced pollution.

For more information on this event or our Sustainable Living programme, please email: [email protected]

To find out more about the event please go to: http://www.cerealsevent.co.uk

12th ITS European CongressDate: 19-22 June 2017 Venue: Strasbourg Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, France

For the third time, the Catapult will be attending the ITS European Congress in support of the Catapult's Intelligent Transport programme. The Congress provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together, discuss and make the necessary contacts to move initiatives forward and to develop business and research prospects by exhibiting and demonstrating state-of-the-art ITS solutions.

For more information please visit: http://strasbourg2017.itsineurope.com

The Catapult network is coming together to share their knowledge and experience at the Computation Meets Data Science conference.

Come visit us at the UK Space Conference, on 30 May – 1 June at Manchester Central, Manchester.



https://www.wolfram.com/events/computation-data-science-conference-london-2017/



Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd is an independent technology and innovation company. It is one of a network of elite centres established by Innovate UK to accelerate the take-up of emerging technologies and drive economic growth. The Satellite Applications Catapult is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number 07964746. Registered office: Electron Building, Fermi Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR, UK.

©Satellite Applications Catapult 2017. All rights reserved.

Electron BuildingFermi AvenueHarwell CampusDidcotOxfordshireOX11 0QR

For more information:

T: +44 (0) 1235 567999W: sa.catapult.org.ukE: [email protected] @SatAppsCatapult

April 2017


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