Attended Launch UK space webinar today outlining aspects of the regulation updates and launch license application procedure; safety cases and evidence being is a key part of this important process.

Dr Andy Quinn is Saturn SMS’s spaceflight expert (SQEP) and is also part of the Space Launch Alliance who will provide either a safety case for spaceport and/or spaceflight operator, or provide an independent Assurance Case on the full regulatory requirements for the launch.

Dr Andy Quinn, Managing Director of Saturn SMS, recently held an online module for a City University postgraduate MSc course: the module being “Future Aviation Challenges: From Unmanned Systems to Spaceflight”. 23 students from around the world attended and discussed how aviation and spaceflight industries are planning for, and adapting to, rapid commerically-driven innovation.

As the leading authority on spaceflight safety, Dr Andy Quinn also lectures at City University, and is currently developing a new two-day Continuing Professional Development course for the university’s newly-formed London Space Institute. The course will focus on space launch management to provide a much-needed resolution to the growing skills gap in the sector.

Saturn SMS safety & regulatory expert, Dr Andy Quinn, has been involved in UKSA-funded spaceport studies since 2016 (NSTP2 Study on Vertical Launched systems at all spaceport locations at the top of Scotland, as part of the Deimos/HIE consortium), as well as more recent safety support to Sutherland/Orbex (via UKLSL). Andy also provided safety and regulatory input to horizontal spaceport studies including being involved via UKLSL on the Spaceport Snowdonia study, and via Reaction Engines on the Campbeltown/MACC study.

Time for a quick update on the work Saturn SMS have been focussing on with Reaction Engines.

• Saturn delivered on major CDR milestone for the demonstrator core engine (DEMO-A)
• HAZOP (and work with performance team in assessing HAZOP-identified risks to run in the Dynamic Model – this then resulted in re-sizing of a valve and associated orifices to prevent more severe outcomes)
• Zonal Hazard Analysis (which identified areas for insulation, re-positioning of equipment, shielding etc.)
• Fault Tree Analysis (which assisted in identifying common cause failures and allowed for sensitivity analysis, as well as proving the effectiveness of the Safety Critical Monitor as a vital safety measure)
• Work on subsystem HAZOP for Heat exchanger and Pre-burner combined test

Saturn SMS are pleased to be continuing work with RE on various projects including hypersonic vehicle/engine studies for space and military markets. Andy’s unique insight into the safety and certification challenges for the engine/subsystems (as would be installed in a Flight Test Vehicle) has been of great value to RE.

Input to UK Space Team Space Industry Regulations Consultation – Oct 2020

Saturn SMS is pleased to announced the formation of the Space Launch Alliance, of which Saturn is a founding member.

The Alliance is a collective of Suitably Qualified Experienced Personnel (SQEP). We are independent consultants with proven expertise and operational experience in the field.

Our SQEP team has decades of space experience having provided Product Assurance at the European Space Agency and in the UK. More recently our personnel have worked on UK Space Agency funded spaceport studies and for a spaceflight operator. We have provided safety cases for rocket test facilities and performed safety/reliability analysis on rocket development programs. We have experience in production and test of propulsion systems, launch and test campaign management and ground equipment design and manufacture, notably for ESA. We have operational experience of airfield management and services integration. Our Alliance is growing and we have combined our space SQEP with related expertise from the aerospace and oil & gas industries to provide the following services:

• Safety Assurance & Risk Assessment
• Human Factors & Environment Assessments
• Technical Assessment
• Site Operations Management
• Legal Services

Find out more in our press release below. 

The Space Launch Alliance – SQEP in Space

Saturn SMS have been contracted to work on developing design FMEAs and safety cases for the URA Thruster testing, based at Westcott Venture Park. URA are focussed on commercialising the use of water for in-space propulsion.

Dr Andy Quinn, Managing Director of Saturn SMS said:

We are delighted to be working with URA Thrusters on this exciting project and look forward to helping URA innovate and progress in-space water propulsion solutions

Recently, Saturn SMS were contracted to provide a launch system safety analysis and safety case for B2-Space.

This is an exciting project which aims to launch a Phoenix Artillery Rocket from the Balloon at 35km altitude North of the Shetland Isles.