ISAM Gravity Offload System

Design and on-site install of UK’s first Gravity Offload System test rig for In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing.

Date: 2025
Industry Project

brief

In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) is a key area for the UK space sector. Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC) commissioned Amentum to design and implement a Gravity Offload System (GOLS) to simulate the micro-gravity conditions and the lack of air resistance experienced in space orbit, as part of their UKSA funded upgrades to their existing ISAM Yard (testing facility).

outcomes

In only 7-months, teams at SAC and Amentum worked collaboratively to deliver the GOLS which has included the design of the system, procurement of all component parts, assembly and testing at their facility in Birchwood followed by re-assembly and commissioning of the system onsite at the SAC’s facility in Westcott. I aided the team, by being involved technically during the bidding stage and early stages of the initial feasibility design study, and subsequently continued to oversee progress through to commissioning and completion of the system on site in Westcott.

webinar

To see a detailed explanation of the challenge and our solution, see the public joint webinar presented by the client and myself representing our robotics team for the Association of Project Management (APM) International Space Sector Network (direct vimeo link).