The Challenge

El Nino returned in 2023, once again casting an important spotlight on rising global temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather. Global warming is no secret, but the need for plant scientists to develop seeds that ensure crops continue to grow, despite warmer environments, is more important than ever. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), agricultural production needs to increase by around 60% worldwide by 2050, to support a population of over nine billion people. This is a further challenge considering that climate change is severely impacting crop yield, which has decreased by about 1% per year over the last 30 years.

Microgravity offers a unique situation to monitor plants when subject to extreme environments. Not only this, but the intense radiation environments in space – particularly from cosmic rays – can also inform how plants and crops respond to radioactive events. Should we ever be faced with another Chernobyl-like scenario, this understanding is vital.

By exposing plants to extreme conditions, and studying their behaviour once gravity is removed, scientists are not only developing strains adapted to space travel, but also exploring the best means to create the ultimate resilience in plant and crop seedlings – ensuring that humanity continues to have access to sufficient resources. In November 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) sent cress seeds to the International Space Station (ISS) for five months before returning to Earth to see how space exposure affects plant growth. By comparing to unexposed seeds, scientists aim to pinpoint traits in the irradiated seeds that could help enable enhanced growth capabilities. Companies working in plant breeding technologies are seeking to program seeds to withstand extreme conditions, including microgravity.

Such experiments will help our understanding of how crops are affected by space exposure – and support legacy research. For example, in 2016, Tim Peake monitored tomato and rocket seeds on the ISS for six months and exposed them to cosmic rays before returning them to Earth, to be grown in a lab by the University of West England (UWE). Among the questions asked was, do the plants grown from these seeds ‘remember’ this time, how did it affect their growth – and, what mechanisms triggered these responses. For example, was it the space flight itself, the radiation, or something else?

Through ISS experiments, we gaze at the long-term impacts of space on varieties of crops and seeds. But, what about the short-term: how do plants initially respond and adapt to these intense environments? How does their gravity perception influence these behaviours? How long until gene expression changes? Also, what are the environmental factors driving these reactions – is it predominantly radiation, microgravity, abiotic stress, temperatures, atmosphere, or everything together? The more crop varieties we can observe in these conditions, the more we can understand and provide answers to these questions.

 

Gravitilab’s Solution…

Gravitilab bridges the gap between farmers on Earth, and projects on the ISS. The short-duration microgravity access we provide can help to ensure seed and plant growth systems are optimised for low earth orbit (LEO). The environments we create can also support research underway to establish plant reactions to altered gravity conditions, observe early responses, and ensure experimental designs are de-risked for space. Moreover, access to intense radiation environments for short periods of time can help support legacy studies that explore how plants respond to chronic, low levels of radiation. The more we can advance our understanding of plant behaviours to extreme events, the better informed we are to advance disease resistance and increase yield.

Captured perfectly by T. Hoson’s2014 study, ‘Plant Growth and Morphogenesis under Different Gravity Conditions’, “the growth and morphogenesis of plants are entirely dependent on the gravitational acceleration of earth. Under microgravity conditions in space, these processes are greatly modified… space biology may contribute to efficient plant production, which is indispensable for human life not only in space but also on earth”.

Fundamental to our understanding of plant physiology is gravitropism – that is, how plants respond and grow according to the gravity conditions present. Understanding how they can ‘sense’ gravity and how this informs their behaviour, is an elusive mechanism that requires observations at the cellular level. Research to-date has shown that microgravity induces a ‘stress’ response in plant cells, which can lead to genetic re-programming.

Using Gravitilab’s suborbital platforms, plant biologists can therefore investigate the genetic response of plants and understand which genes are responsible for plant resilience when they are exposed to extreme conditions. This would help to silence these genes to render plants more resistant to stress. They can also observe the instant and short-term cellular responses to microgravity, which includes the activation of various signalling pathways in an approximately 5-minute window. These biochemical signals can help to identify the mechanisms involved in plant growth and metabolic behaviour. To optimise studies of these behaviours, we can also test cell imaging systems, and autonomous seed growth systems for nanosats and CubeSats via our platforms.

Via our sounding rocket ISAAC, we can also observe cellular reactions to hypergravity, to i) investigate the effect on payload, and ii) inform researchers on how to calibrate any affects out from post-flight analyses.

Between our drop pod LOUIS and rocket ISAAC, astrobiologists and plant scientists can first investigate the initial effects of several gravity conditions for a wide variety of plants and crops, to not only best prepare the observation of seeds and plant cells in microgravity, but understand the mechanisms that govern plant adaptation and responses to environment.

However, Gravitilab is also seeking to collaborate with researchers to design and develop payload containers that can take this research and bring it into orbit or VLEO; providing a plant science module that can conduct these observations for longer durations in microgravity and Space. In doing so, Gravitilab seeks to provides easy access to space for academics, to accelerate their research outside of legacy programmes – and, can develop and de-risk the operation of the module using LOUIS and ISAAC!

If you’d like to talk more about how your scientific research could benefit from access to microgravity research and testing, and how Gravitilab can work with you, then contact Charlotte Daniels at [email protected] or follow Gravitilab on LinkedIn to keep up to date with our latest findings.

Company Background

Gravitilab Aerospace Services is based just outside Norwich, UK. It is an exciting, fast-growing start-up and industry pathfinder for microgravity research and testing services. Developing suborbital rockets and a UAV drone system, it will deliver unique services to a range of customers across Academia, New Space and Defence. It’s ambitious plans to produce the most innovative launch vehicles will push the boundaries to grow an iconic space technology company. Despite already containing state-of-the-art facilities such as engine test stand, labs and workshops, the company has immediate plans for a further significantly advanced manufacturing facility. As part of Gravitilab you would be part of a rapidly growing team, working at the cutting edge of technology, at the apex of a revolution taking place in the commercial New Space economy. The company has a disruptive philosophy, with sustainability at its core.

Job Title

Manufacturing Project Manager

Job Description

Manage the installation and running of our new state of the art manufacturing centre.

Responsibilities

  • Liaise with department heads to ensure that the correct machines, workshops and laboratories are procured, installed and set up in time and budget.
  • Lead the recruitment and training of machine operators / programmers, lab technicians and production staff.
  • Ensure that all equipment is serviced and calibrated.
  • Manage the manufacturing of components.
  • Manage the testing / compliance of components.
  • Set up and manage DFM rules. Sign off drawings as part of release process.
  • To develop a strategic analysis philosophy to enable future projects.
  • To delegate to and manage production / testing staff and support in their development through regular performance reviews.
  • To support in pitching and bringing activities, studies and R&D to fruition as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

  • Previous experience of running a state of the art manufacturing facility.
  • Additive manufacturing, metallic and polymer.
  • Previous experience of manufacturing and qualification of space components.
  • Experience in the checking and release of components before manufacture.
  • Good CAD skills, ideally Siemens NX.
  • Good Microsoft Office skills: Teams, Word, Excel and SharePoint.
  • Good communication skills.

Preferred:

  • Sc. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • Experience of composite, metallic and electrical components and assemblies for space applications.
  • Material qualification and testing.
  • Experience with running test and R+D campaigns.

Desirable Skills and Qualities

  • Ability to organise, prioritise and manage work to critical project timelines in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Open minded and willing to engage with a variety of tasks/duties.
  • A communicative and personable approach to teamwork.
  • Self-reliant and able to work under own initiative.
  • A very high standard of spoken and written English.
  • Positive and proactive ‘can-do’ attitude and ability to understand a ‘new space’ start-up environment.

Why Gravitilab?

  • Be part of a fast paced, dynamic and exciting environment, with enthusiastic people who love their work.
  • Work for a company at the leading edge of the New Space revolution in the UK, pathfinding space launch and commercial microgravity services.
  • Play a pivotal role in the creation of a great working environment, support with fast paced, effective engineering and be a key person in helping the office run as smoothly as possible.
  • Develop new skills and competencies through in house development and specific training as required.

Salary

Subject to experience.

Process

Send a cover letter and C.V. to [email protected]

Company Background 

Gravitilab Aerospace Services is based just outside Norwich, UK. It is an exciting, fast-growing start-up and industry pathfinder for microgravity research and testing services. Developing suborbital rockets and a UAV drone system, it will deliver unique services to a range of customers across Academia, New Space and Defence. It’s ambitious plans to produce the most innovative launch vehicles will push the boundaries to grow an iconic space technology company. Despite already containing state-of-the-art facilities such as engine test stand, labs and workshops, the company has immediate plans for a further significantly advanced manufacturing facility. As part of Gravitilab you would be part of a rapidly growing team, working at the cutting edge of technology, at the apex of a revolution taking place in the commercial New Space economy. The company has a disruptive philosophy, with sustainability at its core.

Job Title 

Head of Propulsion 

Job Description 

As the Head of Propulsion, your primary role will be to lead and oversee the Propulsion engineering department to research and develop technologies, and design, test and deliver qualified, reliable propulsion systems capable of meeting Gravitilab’s vehicle performance requirements.

Your responsibilities will encompass efficient departmental operations, and you will be tasked with effectively managing all team members to ensure their duties are carried out appropriately. It will be essential to ensure strict adherence to Gravitilab’s policies and procedures, aiming to uphold the highest possible standards throughout the development process. By successfully navigating these responsibilities, you will play a crucial role in contributing to the company’s ongoing success and technological advancements.

Responsibilities 

  • Lead propulsion system design, testing, and fielding from initial concept studies through to operational missions.
  • Critically review propulsion sub-system designs, structural interfaces, and temperature/pressure considerations in the design.
  • Dynamically lead the propulsion team and other junior members of staff in support of propulsion sub-system research & development, design, test and delivery. This also includes task allocation, identification, and implementation of training/mentorship.
  • Manage department finances to ensure allocated budgets are adhered to, actively identify and implement cost savings, and ensure spending is minimised.
  • Support launch vehicle product development activities through early-stage trade-offs and studies through system definition, requirements analysis, verification, operations and implementation.
  • Implement effective strategies for managing department work tasks to deliver against deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  • Identify and communicate technical and programmatic risks and issues, problem solve mitigations and implement effective solutions rapidly.
  • Represent Propulsion at Heads of Department and Senior Management meetings.
  • Work with the Human Resources team to grow the team as required.
  • Support grant activities, studies and R&D as required.
  • Other duties as requested by Management.

Qualifications and Experience 

Essential: 

  • Master’s degree (or higher) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Deep technical understanding of propulsion system design, test and analysis.
  • Fluent oral and written English.

Preferred: 

  • 6 + years of experience in a relevant professional engineering setting (excluding internships).
  • 4 + years’ experience in a managerial capacity.
  • Considerable knowledge and hands-on experience in Systems Engineering.
  • Exceptional financial, schedule and task management skills.
  • Strong knowledge of Hybrid Rocket Engines and thermos-fluid dynamics.
  • Previous experience with N2O.
  • Experience in Test campaigns and Vehicle Development programmes.
  • Knowledge of launch regulations, policies and frameworks.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Self-starter mentality with an ability to balance multiple projects.
  • Ability to find solutions and overcome challenges to deliver projects within budget and schedule constraints.

Desirable Skills and Qualities 

  • Launch Vehicle Systems Experience.
  • Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of Hybrid Rocket Engines and thermo-fluid dynamics.
  • Experience with Cryogenics or LOX.
  • R&D Experience in Hybrid/Liquid propulsion systems.
  • Experience in the end-to-end development of rocket engines.
  • CAD experience.
  • Analysis skills (NX).

Why Gravitilab? 

  • Be part of a fast paced, dynamic and exciting environment, with enthusiastic people who love their work  
  • Work for a company at the leading edge of the New Space revolution in the UK, pathfinding space launch and commercial microgravity services 
  • Play a pivotal role in the creation of a great working environment, support with fast paced, effective marketing communications and be a key person in helping the office run as smoothly as possible 
  • Develop new skills and competencies through in house development and specific training as required.  

Salary 

Competitive salary package, subject to experience  

Process 

Send a cover letter and C.V. to [email protected] 

Gravitilab have been awarded funding for a  Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) internship. This provides placement opportunities for those considering employment in the space sector and connects space sector organisations who want to find the most talented and enthusiastic people to ensure the future success of their businesses. The scheme is managed by the UK Space Agency and supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Find out more: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/23-52_Gravitilab_Reefing-Recovery-System.pdf