Farnborough has long been synonymous with the pioneering spirit of the aerospace industry, a reputation built over more than a century of groundbreaking technological advancements and aerospace research. Throughout the years, Farnborough has served as a hub for space innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace, from early aviation developments to cutting-edge space technologies.
As a leading organiser of aerospace events, we are proud to celebrate our rich heritage and its enduring influence on the events we bring to life today. Take a look at some of the remarkable space innovations from Farnborough’s past and explore the ongoing legacy of collaboration and discovery that is at the very heart of our events and the global aerospace industry.
How Carbon Fibre Revolutionised Aerospace and Space Technology
In 1963, the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), a renowned British research organisation based at Farnborough Airfield, made a groundbreaking discovery that would forever change the aerospace industry: the vast potential of carbon fibre. This advanced material was soon recognised as a game-changer in the world of aerospace. With its combination of high strength, low weight and resistance to temperature it was an ideal fit for the rigorous demands of aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing.
Carbon fibre quickly proved indispensable for the development of rockets, satellites and launch systems, where every kilogram saved in weight translates to increased efficiency and reduced costs. The material’s unique properties allow for enhanced durability in the extreme environments of space, making it a critical component in the construction of spacecraft. Today, carbon fibre remains foundational to aerospace engineering, a testament to the visionary work conducted at Farnborough.
Rocketry Development in Farnborough
The Black Knight rocket was the UK’s first test vehicle for ballistic missile research, developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was designed by the RAE in Farnborough, with the goal of conducting re-entry experiments and studying atmospheric conditions. Whilst originally tested to support the British nuclear missile program, the series of successful launches provided valuable data on re-entry dynamics and paved the way for British expertise in rocket technology. Ultimately, the work conducted at Farnborough laid the groundwork for future British space endeavours, including the later Black Arrow program, which would go on to make the UK the sixth country in the world to launch a satellite into orbit in 1971.
Similarly, the Skylark Rocket was developed in the late 1950s by RAE to carry scientific payloads into the upper atmosphere and near-space for astronomical and environmental research. The primary mission of Skylark rockets was to gather data on solar and cosmic radiation, magnetic fields and atmospheric conditions, providing a better understanding of the Earth’s upper atmosphere and space environment.
From Farnborough to the Moon: Pioneering Space Suits
In 1937, Flight Lieutenant M.J. Adams of the Royal Air Force (RAF) set a new world record by reaching an altitude of 53,937 feet while piloting a Bristol 138A experimental aircraft from Farnborough Airfield. This period was marked by fierce competition, where significant publicity and support could be earned by achieving such feats. The record-setting flight, along with earlier attempts, underscored various challenges associated with high-altitude flight, including aircraft structural failures and the risk of pilots suffering from oxygen deprivation.
During the 1937 flight, a crack tore through the aircraft’s canopy, and it is believed that Flight Lieutenant Adams survived due to the advancements made in his pressure suit and helmet. Today, it is widely recognised that the research conducted from these test flights played a crucial role in advancing the development of pressurised flight and space suits.
Research at Farnborough continued throughout the following decades, with a significant boost coming from the work carried out at the Farnborough Centrifuge, which became operational in 1955. Scientists and test pilots focused on studying the effects of G-force on pilots, with the ultimate goal of developing a suit that could address and overcome these limitations.
By the 1960s, the RAE had attracted the attention of NASA who requested a demonstration of their water-coolant suits. The subsequent High-Altitude Flight & Spacesuit Programme which took place at Farnborough in collaboration with NASA, the US Airforce and Navy, pioneered the design of space suits to protect astronauts from the various challenges of space travel. The effectiveness of the suits led to NASA utilising a similar liquid-cooling system for the suits during the Apollo Missions.
Space Innovation: A Legacy of Astronaut Training
As mentioned, the Farnborough Centrifuge proved to be a critical asset for the UK Space and Defence industry, serving as both a testing ground for aerospace machinery and a facility for training pilots and astronauts. A centrifuge allows candidates to experience the intense G-force and motion they would face in high-speed flight or space travel, making it an essential tool in preparing them for the physical and mental challenges of their missions.
One of Farnborough’s most notable trainees was Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space. In 1989, Helen joined a cohort of 16 hopefuls at the centrifuge, operated by the Institution of Aviation Medicine. Following the intense assessments, Helen emerged as one of four finalists, advancing to the next stage of training. From Farnborough, she continued her preparation in Russia, where she completed specialised cosmonaut training and ultimately earned her place on the historic mission to the Mir Space Station. In 1991, Helen Sharman made history, not only as the first Briton in space but also as an example of the critical role Farnborough played in astronaut training and the UK’s contributions to space exploration.
Farnborough: The Home of the World’s Best Airshow and Leading Aerospace Events
Farnborough continues to act as a convening power for the aerospace industry, propelling the sector forward to new heights and milestones. Space plays a crucial part at the world-leading Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), as one of the show’s key themes and a driving force behind one of the most popular show features: The Space Zone.
We’ve welcomed many astronauts to Farnborough over the years including Tim Peake CMG, NASA Astronaut Charles Duke (Apollo 16), ESA Astronaut Matthias Maurer and ESA Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti via a live link to the International Space Station. At FIA2024, we welcomed the latest class of ESA Astronauts including Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian.
What’s Next: The Launch of Farnborough International Space Show
Farnborough’s next venture into the space sector will be the highly anticipated launch of Farnborough International Space Show (FISS), taking place on 19-20 March 2025. As the UK’s largest international space event, dedicated to pioneering the commercial space age and advancing space domain defence, Farnborough is destined to once again become the epicentre of aerospace business.
The Space Show is also co-located with the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE), a world-renowned conference to share crucial, emerging knowledge in pursuit of protecting the planet and its people.
The co-location of these two pivotal events offers the global space industry a unique and unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and drive the next milestones in space exploration and technology. Farnborough, with its rich history of innovation and leadership in aerospace, has long been at the centre of groundbreaking advancements. This convergence of influential events reinforces the region’s ongoing legacy as a focal point for the global aerospace community, facilitating discussions and partnerships that will shape the future of the space innovation throughout the industry.
Learn more: https://farnboroughspaceshow.com/
