Resonate Testing open new space vacuum testing facility

A new thermal vacuum testing facility has been opened in Newry, giving Resonate Testing the largest and most capable chamber of its kind on the island of Ireland. The facility allows the company to replicate the harsh vacuum and extreme temperature conditions of space, supporting local organisations in the expanding "New Space" economy with a one-stop solution to qualify satellites and spacecraft hardware for launch and on-orbit operation.

The facility was opened by Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for Infrastructure, who cut the ribbon alongside Tom and Donna Mallon, the company's founders, to mark the official launch of the Thermal Vacuum capability. The project was supported by Invest Northern Ireland, reflecting the region's commitment to developing space-sector infrastructure and high-value engineering jobs.

The investment also marks Resonate Testing's ten-year anniversary, as the company builds on a decade of experience in mechanical and environmental testing in the aerospace, automotive, energy and other advanced engineering sectors.

Minister Kimmins said: "Over the past decade, this company has built a strong reputation for innovation, technical excellence and customer focus. The launch of the Thermal Vacuum places Resonate Testing and Newry firmly on the map as a leading provider of advanced environmental testing, not just locally, but across these islands and beyond."

Tom Mallon, Founder and CEO of Resonate Testing, said: "We're proud to launch the island's largest thermal vacuum chamber to simulate real space conditions right here in Northern Ireland. This major milestone expands what we can do to help innovative companies ensure their satellites and space hardware will survive launch and operate reliably in orbit, and it strengthens our role as a leading test partner for advanced engineering and New Space organisations."

The launch of the TVAC service comes amid surging demand for space hardware testing, with established national test centres in the UK and Europe facing long wait times that create bottlenecks for fast-moving satellite and space-tech programmes. With more than 40 New Space clients, Resonate Testing's expanded capability positions the company as the No.1 independent test facility for New Space in Ireland and the UK, offering a fast, flexible alternative for companies seeking timely, high-fidelity environmental testing without leaving the region.

Mallon added: "New Space companies often endure significant pain and are forced to wait, facing months-long waitlists at big test labs. Our one-stop TVAC service gives them a faster, independent alternative to congested national facilities, helping keep their projects on schedule and de-risk hardware before launch."

Resonate Testing is an independent mechanical and environmental test facility based in Newry. The company provides vibration, shock, fire, battery, climatic and thermal vacuum testing services to customers in the space, aerospace, automotive, industrial and other safety-critical sectors, helping them validate product performance under extreme conditions.