During 2016, Applied Graphene Materials (AGM), based in Redcar, UK, successfully completed the exploratory phase of its development programme with Airbus Defence and Space.

The programme work is covered under a secrecy agreement but is targeted at exploiting the unique properties of graphene in satellites. Based on the success of the initial work, both parties are now collaborating on a final product development phase, with a desired target to qualify the material for flight use and first application by the end of 2017 or early 2018.

In March this year, SHD Composites, based in Sleaford, UK, launched MTC9800 a graphene enhanced epoxy prepreg system following 18 months of intensive joint product development with AGM.