Facilities
Affordable and flexible access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise in remote sensing instrumentation, space technology and data intensive science.
At the Higgs Centre for Innovation, we provide access to purpose-built laboratories allowing start-ups and SMEs direct, affordable, and flexible access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise, eliminating the need to develop, buy or pay prohibitively high prices to use research and development capabilities.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed for the small satellite sector. Test small satellites, or subsystems for larger satellites, for space readiness – in appropriate clean-room environments, with the right equipment, all in one place.
All of our test facilities are in suitable cleanrooms at Class 10,000 (ISO 7), or clean labs.
Vibration Testing
Ideal for launch compatibility testing for satellite components, sub systems and entire nanosats.
Testing capabilities include Sine vibration (40kN, 116G), Random vibration (40kN rms, 82G), and Shock (80kN, 233G). 600mm table, with a range of mounting options and orientations available. Fully instrumented with appropriate accelerometers and data-acquisition for comparison with structural FEA models.
Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Ideally suited to development testing and pre-compliance testing.
Test units up to (41cm x 41cm x 31cm) that can be evaluated with a field strength of up to 10 V/m, covering a frequency range of 80 MHz to 3 GHz. Conducted emissions can be tested either on a bench or within a GTEM cell for isolation.
Thermal testing
Our environmental chamber has a temperature range from -70°C to +180°C. Ideal for thermal cycle (reliability) testing or elevated temperature (functional) testing at component or subsystem level.
General and specialised cryostats
We have a wide range of cryostats designed for maximum flexibility, suitable for space sub-system or Nanosatellite testing as well as vacuum compatibility and component-level testing.Vacuum bakeout oven
Our fully automated, high-vacuum oven is ideal for space/flight hardware, connectors, CubeSats, or any other high vacuum compatibility testing. Temperature ranges from 20°C above ambient to +220°C.Electronic and radio frequency testing
We have a variety of signal and arbitrary waveform generators, amplifiers, oscilloscopes and analysers available depending on requirements.SpaceWire testing
We have full SpaceWire electronic communications testing facilities, populated with a comprehensive suite of test equipment from both STAR-Dundee and 4Links.Big Data Visualisation Facility
Big data visualisation tools are gaining more and more traction within industry and can provide numerous benefits to business owners who need to communicate complexed information effectively to stakeholders and customers. Our 8K, 7.5m wide data visualisation canvas at the Higgs Centre for Innovation is available to businesses for use and offers a sophisticated integrated audio and visual capability, together with 4K broadcast-grade cameras if required.
3D printing Capabilities, Electronic Equipment and Soldering
Access a range of plastic and metal 3D printing capabilities, soldering stations, and electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes and multimeters, to support design, prototyping, assembly and electronic testing.Expertise
Access support and expertise from scientists, engineers and academics
Developing a new business idea often requires additional specialist technical skills and knowledge that may appear impossible to acquire. Knowing where and how to access this knowledge can hinder the growth of a business.
STFC and University of Edinburgh focus on engaging with industry to ensure that companies gain access to valuable scientific expertise that can support the development of new businesses.
Businesses can access support at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, and also through STFC’s and the University of Edinburgh’s wider networks.
Access to skills
Students training in traditional physics have valuable problem-solving and analytical skills as well as detailed theoretical knowledge on modern data science including: modern programming,; statistical methods,; data exploration tools, and machine learning. Tap into this skills base through the data-analytics PhD students based at the Higgs Centre.
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