The University of Liverpool has unveiled a cutting-edge facility designed to simulate the near-frictionless conditions of space, enabling the testing of autonomous spacecraft technologies before launch. Combined with a precision tracking camera system, it can recreate complex space mission scenarios in a fully controlled environment. Dr Stefania Soldini, Associate Professor in Space Engineering, said: “We are proud to unveil a facility that places Liverpool at the cutting edge of space engineering research. “This stems from my experience as a space mission engineer, designing and executing real-time space manoeuvres in space during my work on the Japanese Hayabusa2 mission to asteroid Ryugu. It brings together the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to forge collaborations and partnerships around the space sector.