Capabilities Beyond Engineering was selected by Astroscale in the UK to deliver a highly challenging space-sector project. The work involved producing precision-machined plates (docking plates) which are inserted into a docking system for satellites operating in-orbit.
These plates play a critical role in enabling satellite end-of-life disposal, supporting safe deorbiting and reducing space debris by ensuring satellites burn up on atmospheric re-entry. They also enable future in-orbit servicing capabilities, supporting a circular economy in space.
As part of an initial trial, Astroscale supplied blank plates and tasked Capabilities Beyond Engineering with machining them to an exacting specification. Each plate needed to be reduced to one-tenth of its original thickness while maintaining extremely tight tolerances.
Capabilities Beyond Engineering undertook an 18-month development programme to meet these demanding requirements.
The team engineered a staged machining process to progressively reduce material thickness while preserving structural stability and precision. Tooling, machining strategies and inspection techniques were continuously refined through repeated trials.
Close attention was given to process control and consistency throughout, requiring a high level of skill, patience, and problem-solving from the engineering team.
Through close collaboration with Astroscale, Capabilities Beyond Engineering successfully delivered 100% of the plates to the required standard, exceeding project expectations.
This achievement demonstrated the team’s capability to deliver complex, high-precision components for the space sector, supporting technologies that reduce space debris, extend satellite life, and help protect the orbital environment around Earth.
Following this success, Capabilities Beyond Engineering secured one of its largest contracts to date, marking a significant milestone in its growth within the space industry.
Docking Plate on a Falcon 9 rocket ahead of launch.
We provide unmatched production capacity and turnaround times.
We have an extensive range of highly equipped in-house inspection and testing facilities.
We offer technical consultancy to develop and deliver exact procedures to meet your specific requirements
We have some of the largest plating tanks in Europe.
Capabilities Beyond Engineering, Enterprise Drive, Williamthorpe Industrial Park, Holmewood, Chesterfield, S42 5UZ
01246 529014
