In July 2025 year on the territory of the former air base RAF Machrihanish near Campbeltown, Scotland, a modern MachLab testing and training center was opened. Located in a Cold War bunker, this object, created by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Exotopic and supported by the UK Space Agency (UK Space Agency), aims to support the development of rocket engines with a thrust of up to one ton and train a new generation of engineers.
Technical characteristics of MachLab
MachLab is located in an armored building, which was previously used by the US Air Force to refuel strategic bombers. The center is equipped with a specially designed test stand for safe static testing of experimental rocket engines. The data collection system measures key parameters, such as temperature, pressure in the combustion chamber, fuel consumption and other performance indicators. The facility supports testing of engines on solid, liquid and cryogenic fuel, intended for small orbital launches.
The first test on MachLab has already been carried out: TORC-1 engines, -2 and -3, designed by University of Glasgow postgraduate student Jack Taft, were produced using 3D printing on Aconity3D equipment using high-quality copper alloy, chromium and zirconium. These engines, designed using ToffeeX generative design software, have an advanced regenerative cooling system, which increases their efficiency and reduces weight.
Educational and research role
MachLab is not only a research center, but also an educational hub within the Rocketry Research Teaching Training program (R2T2), which is funded by the UK Space Agency. The program allows students from across the UK to gain hands-on experience in the development and testing of rocket engines. Professor Patrick Harkness from the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow emphasized, that MachLab plays a key role in the UK's strategy to return to vertical launches, providing a safe environment for students and researchers.
International cooperation and economic influence
MachLab has already hosted researchers from South Africa, and partners from Australia are expected soon, which emphasizes its international importance. The center will promote cooperation with countries, which are developing or renewing their space programs. Now Gray, CEO of Exotopic, pointed out, that this is a unique opportunity to create a world-class center, which will strengthen the offer in aerospace research and create new jobs in the region.
Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Launch Director, added, what are these objects, yak MachLab, strengthen the startup ecosystem, promoting skill development, infrastructure and innovation. Project financing in the amount of approx 500 000 pounds sterling was provided jointly by industry and the UK Space Agency, which emphasizes public-private partnerships.
Strategic importance
MachLab is part of the UK's strategy to revive vertical startups, that did not happen with 1971 year. Location at Machrihanish Air Base, near the Mall of Kintyre, making it ideal for testing due to its isolation and robust infrastructure. In the future, the center plans to expand research into engines, capable of launching cargo into orbit, which can support the UK's ambitions to build spaceports, such as SaxaVord or Sutherland.
Sources: