Spincraft UK: Developing a Launchpad for European Space Manufacturing
From Oil & Gas to Orbit
With decades of experience as an advanced metal forming manufacturer, Spincraft set a strategic goal several years ago for our Newcastle-based business to expand into the aerospace and defense sectors. For decades, our UK business has produced high-quality structural components for the oil and gas industry. When that sector saw greater cyclicality and demand fluctuations in the mid-2010s, we recognized the need to diversify and leverage our expertise to enter new, high-growth markets.
Drawing on our deep manufacturing pedigree and unique skillset, we identified a promising opportunity in the European space sector. Through collaboration with our U.S.-based Spincraft facilities in Boston, MA and Milwaukee, WI, renowned for their expertise in forming fuel tank dome solutions, we were able to facilitate learning and share general manufacturing principles and methods, enabling us to enter the European space market with high-performance hardware for spacecraft and medium-sized launch vehicles.
Our Opportunity to Expand into Space
Europe’s rapidly expanding space industry has seen unprecedented investment in recent years, driven by the commercialization of space and a surge in private launch ventures. These companies need responsive and flexible manufacturing partners that can help validate designs, accelerate production and deliver at pace. This environment perfectly matched Spincraft UK’s strengths. Our ability to work directly with customers from concept through flight hardware qualification made us the ideal choice for companies developing new launch systems and satellite missions.
Building a Foundation of Success
Customer intimacy has always been at the heart of Spincraft’s success. We work as an extension of our customers’ team, engaging early with their engineers to solve complex design challenges and identify the most cost-effective manufacturing routes. This approach enabled us to establish trusted relationships with leading aerospace players. Spincraft UK was able to accelerate its entry and credibility thanks to these relationships, coupled with strong industry partnerships, a reputation for quality and a proven record of delivering advanced metal formed solutions.
Our initial goal was simple but ambitious: to achieve flight heritage for our components as quickly as possible. Today, we are proud to have supported major international missions that included hardware manufactured at our Newcastle facility.
- NASA’s Artemis Program
Formed the separator cone used in the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) that orbited the Moon. - ESA’s JUICE Mission
Produced titanium domes for two propellant tanks among the largest ever built for satellite propulsion systems, including forming, pre-machining, and heat treatment for both test and flight hardware. - PLD Space’s MIURA 1 Rocket
Manufactured fuel tank domes for Spain’s first private suborbital launcher. - Gilmour Space’s Eris 1 Rocket
Formed 2m fuel tank domes for the first Australian-designed and manufactured orbital launch vehicle. - R&D Initiatives
Supported technology demonstrators for the UK Space Agency and ESA, including friction stir welding of domes and cryogenic engine nozzle development.
Spincraft UK’s first space-qualified hardware was produced in 2016 and successfully launched in 2022. Achieving flight heritage so quickly has positioned us as a trusted supplier for next-generation European spaceflight programs. Our flexible, customer-driven approach has earned us repeat business and long-term partnerships with leading aerospace companies.
Spincraft UK: Trusted Partner for Space Solutions
Spincraft UK’s rapid entry into the space sector has been transformational for our business, driving investment in new equipment, skills and partnerships that will create opportunities at our Newcastle site for years to come. With a growing portfolio of space and aerospace programs, Spincraft UK continues to expand its role as a key manufacturing partner in Europe’s journey to orbit and beyond.
Our investments and shared learnings have positioned us as Europe’s trusted partner for launch vehicle and spacecraft formed solutions. Contact us to discuss our capabilities and explore how we can support your next mission.
