A new era in British space manufacturing has begun with the official opening of the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Enterprise (ACMA) in Hardwicke, Gloucester. The £8.2 million facility, led by iCOMAT, a University of Bristol spin-out, is expected to generate 2,000 skilled jobs and position the UK at the forefront of advanced space engineering. Funded in part by £4.8 million from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, the initiative marks a major leap in domestic space production capability.
Transforms how spacecraft are built
Spanning 45,000 square feet, the new factory houses fully automated production lines that showcase iCOMAT’s pioneering Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology. This innovation allows for the creation of lighter, stronger, and more cost-efficient composite structures, a breakthrough for spacecraft and satellites where weight is a critical factor. By reducing the amount of material needed, RTS also contributes to greater sustainability and performance efficiency in the next generation of space vehicles.
The site, strategically located within the Western Gateway region, strengthens collaboration across the UK’s growing space ecosystem, bringing together research, design, and industrial expertise. Construction began in 2023, with additional £3.3 million match funding and support through the European Space Agency’s General Support Technology Programme, underscoring strong European collaboration in advancing materials technology.
Advanced production powerhouse
The ACMA facility features two specialised RTS production lines catering to a range of space applications. The 2D-RTS line focuses on flat and complex structures such as satellite panels and solar array substrates, while the 3D-RTS line tackles intricate curved components, including propellant tanks for upper-stage rockets. Together, these systems enable the production of components previously considered too complex or costly to manufacture at scale.
What makes ACMA distinctive is its open-access model. Customers and research partners can use the facility to test new designs, improve existing systems, or incorporate RTS technology into their own manufacturing workflows. This collaborative approach not only accelerates innovation but also makes cutting-edge engineering more accessible across the industry.
Strengthens the UK’s space ambitions
Beyond space, the ACMA’s composite capabilities have potential applications in aerospace and automotive sectors, extending the reach of iCOMAT’s technology into adjacent industries. The opening of this facility cements the UK’s ambition to grow its share in the global space economy while nurturing homegrown innovation.
With its blend of pioneering technology, collaboration, and industrial vision, iCOMAT’s ACMA sets a new standard for how high-performance materials will shape the future of space exploration and manufacturing.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “The opening of this manufacturing facility is a win for British ingenuity and a testament to our commitment to backing our homegrown space sector. The innovative technology developed here will support everything from our thriving satellite industry to future deep space missions.”
Dr Evangelos Zympeloudis, CEO and Founder of iCOMAT, said: “We are immensely grateful for the investment from the UK Space Agency, which has been pivotal in establishing this world-class facility. By leveraging our expertise in advanced materials, we are creating opportunities for the space industry to develop more efficient, sustainable vehicles, whilst creating a domestic supply chain and strengthening the UK’s competitive position in the global market. Our team is excited to be fully operational, engaging with the UK space industry and beyond, driven by iCOMAT’s unique patented technology.”
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at the UK Space Agency, said: “The opening of iCOMAT’s cutting-edge facility represents exactly the kind of innovation and industrial capability we want to see flourishing across the UK space sector. Through our Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund investment of £4.8 million, we’re not just supporting revolutionary manufacturing technology – we’re helping to create jobs and positioning the UK as a leader in advanced composite materials for space applications.”
