Somerset West · Cape Town · South Africa

Manufacturing the
Infrastructure of Space

NewCraft Aerospace manufactures spacecraft, aerospace systems, and critical components designed for the emerging constellation economy.

By separating mission architecture from production, NewCraft enables spacecraft to be manufactured efficiently once designs are established.

Spacecraft
Components
Launch
Deployment
Flight
Business Model

A New Model for Space Manufacturing

The traditional aerospace industry was built around vertically integrated companies that design, own, and manufacture proprietary spacecraft platforms.

While this approach served early space missions, it introduces significant inefficiencies when large numbers of satellites must be produced for constellation deployment.

NewCraft operates a horizontal manufacturing model — separating mission design from production, enabling faster, more economical deployment at scale.

Mission
Designers
Systems
Engineering
Payload
Developers
NewCraft Aerospace
Precision Space Manufacturing
Launch
Constellations
Space Services
Core Capabilities

Precision Manufacturing for Space Systems

Manufacturing and integration capability across the full spacecraft lifecycle.

Spacecraft

Manufacturing & integration for constellation-scale missions.

Components

Precision aerospace components and subsystems.

Launch

Preparation and integration with global launch providers.

Deployment

Commissioning and deployment following launch.

Flight

Mission operations and lifecycle management.

The Numbers That Matter

Constellation Economics

NewCraft's horizontal manufacturing model changes the cost structure of constellation deployment.

50%
Cost Reduction

Potential reduction in constellation deployment costs through industrial manufacturing.

Portable
Architecture
Mission Ownership

Mission designers retain full ownership of spacecraft architecture, preventing lock-in.

Scalable
Production
Industrial Scale

Once a design is qualified, additional satellites produced through repeatable processes.

NewCraft satellite
Manufacturing Infrastructure

Industrial Capability

NewCraft Aerospace focuses on the manufacturing layer of the space economy, providing the infrastructure required to produce spacecraft efficiently.

Spacecraft Manufacturing

Assembly and integration of spacecraft platforms and mission-specific systems.

Assembly, Integration & Testing (AIT)

Structured integration and verification processes ensuring spacecraft readiness for flight.

Clean Room Operations

Controlled environments supporting contamination-sensitive spacecraft assembly.

Harnessing

Manufacturing of space-grade electrical harness systems connecting spacecraft subsystems.

Get Involved

Manufacturing the Infrastructure of Space

The expansion of the global space economy will require spacecraft to be produced efficiently and deployed at scale. NewCraft provides the manufacturing capability to support this transition.

About NewCraft

Ecosystem

How NewCraft fits into the emerging space economy — the industrial layer connecting mission designers to constellation deployment.

Industrial Layer

Building the Industrial Layer of the Space Economy

The global space sector is undergoing a structural shift. For decades, space missions were dominated by a small number of highly specialised satellites built for government programmes. Today, the industry is moving toward large constellations operating as infrastructure for communications, Earth observation, navigation, and defence.

This transition requires more than technological innovation — it requires an industrial model capable of producing spacecraft efficiently and at scale.

From Projects to Infrastructure

Historically, satellites were developed as individual engineering projects. Each mission required a bespoke spacecraft platform designed and manufactured by a vertically integrated contractor. Constellations require a different approach — repeatable manufacturing processes that allow systems to scale once designs are established.

The Horizontal Manufacturing Model

Mission architecture can be developed independently by customers or specialised systems engineering firms. Once the spacecraft design has been established, NewCraft focuses on efficient manufacturing and integration of the hardware required to deploy the mission.

Why South Africa

NewCraft operates in South Africa, combining strong aerospace engineering capability with favourable manufacturing economics. South Africa has a long history in global aerospace supply chains, providing access to highly skilled engineers with relevant experience — while supporting cost structures more aligned with industrial production.

Mission Designers
Payload Developers
Data & Analytics
Launch Providers
Cape Constellation Innovation Hub
NewCraft Aerospace
Precision Space Manufacturing
Constellation
Deployment
Global
Constellations
Space-Enabled
Services
The Economics of Constellations

Why the Traditional Model Is Inefficient

In many traditional aerospace companies, spacecraft manufacturers control both the platform design and the production environment. This structure creates several challenges for constellation operators.

Spacecraft designs are often tied to proprietary platforms, limiting supply chain flexibility and creating long-term dependence on a single supplier. Even after the initial spacecraft has been developed and qualified, follow-on units may continue to carry significant development overhead and facility costs.

As a result, scaling production does not always produce the cost reductions expected from industrial manufacturing.

Manufacturing Capability

NewCraft provides the precision manufacturing capability required to support an industrial approach to spacecraft production, enabling satellites to move efficiently from mission design to flight-ready hardware.

  • Spacecraft structural assembly and subsystem integration
  • Payload integration and mission-specific configuration
  • Electrical harness manufacturing and installation
  • Subsystem assembly and component manufacturing
  • Environmental testing coordination and mission qualification support

A Scalable Industrial Platform

As the global space economy expands, spacecraft will increasingly function as operational infrastructure rather than isolated missions. Meeting this demand requires manufacturing systems capable of producing reliable space hardware efficiently and at scale.

By focusing on precision manufacturing, structured integration processes, and scalable production capability, NewCraft provides the industrial platform required to support the next generation of global space infrastructure.

Venture Engine

Ecosystem Companies

The Cape Constellation ecosystem supports emerging space technology companies providing shared infrastructure and a collaborative environment for engineers and entrepreneurs.

Ecosystem Co.
Abiri

Space technology and mission development operating within the Cape Constellation environment.

Ecosystem Co.
Petrawell

Frontier technology venture contributing to the broader innovation pipeline.

Ecosystem Co.
Kombuta

Developing space-enabled services and data products within the ecosystem.

Ecosystem Co.
Lambda G

Technology and engineering venture supporting space and frontier applications.

Ecosystem Co.
Electrified

Power and propulsion technology for next-generation space systems.

Ecosystem Co.
JJ Harnessing

Specialist harness manufacturing and electrical systems for aerospace applications.

Technical

Capabilities

Precision manufacturing designed to support the deployment of spacecraft systems for constellation-scale missions.

Spacecraft Manufacturing

Assembly and integration of spacecraft platforms

NewCraft Aerospace manufactures spacecraft platforms and mission-specific satellite systems designed for efficient deployment and operational reliability. Production processes are structured to support repeatable spacecraft assembly, allowing missions to transition from demonstration satellites to operational constellations without fundamental redesign.

  • Spacecraft structural assembly
  • Subsystem installation and integration
  • Payload accommodation and integration
  • Electrical harness installation and routing
  • Spacecraft configuration and system management

Assembly, Integration & Testing

Structured AIT processes aligned with international practice

AIT processes ensure that spacecraft subsystems function together as a complete and reliable flight system. NewCraft follows structured integration procedures aligned with international aerospace engineering practices, verifying system functionality and validating spacecraft readiness prior to launch.

  • Subsystem integration and interface verification
  • Electrical and functional testing
  • System-level verification and diagnostics
  • Mission configuration validation
  • Environmental testing coordination

Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Precision components for spacecraft and supply chain

In addition to complete spacecraft assembly, NewCraft manufactures precision components and subsystems used in space missions. Component manufacturing supports both internal spacecraft production and the broader aerospace supply chain, contributing to reliable and scalable spacecraft systems.

  • Structural assemblies and mechanical components
  • Avionics integration and subsystem hardware
  • Subsystem mounting structures and housings
  • Precision mechanical components
  • Support hardware for spacecraft integration

Harnessing & Electrical Systems

Space-qualified harness assemblies and connectivity

Electrical harness systems form the critical network connecting spacecraft power, communication, and data subsystems. NewCraft provides manufacturing capability for space-qualified harness assemblies, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity across spacecraft systems.

  • Spacecraft harness assembly and routing
  • Connector integration and installation
  • Cable assembly and termination
  • Electrical verification testing

Clean Room Operations

Controlled contamination-sensitive assembly environments

Spacecraft assembly requires controlled environments to protect sensitive hardware from contamination and environmental exposure. NewCraft operates clean room facilities designed to support spacecraft integration and precision assembly activities to the standards required for space missions.

  • Spacecraft assembly and subsystem integration
  • Payload installation and testing
  • Contamination-sensitive hardware handling
  • Precision integration of flight components

Launch Integration Support

Coordination between manufacturer and launch providers

Successful missions require careful coordination between spacecraft manufacturers and launch providers. NewCraft supports launch preparation activities by assisting customers with spacecraft readiness, launch interface requirements, and mission documentation.

  • Spacecraft readiness verification
  • Launch interface coordination
  • Mission configuration support
  • Launch preparation documentation
Mission Applications

Programs & Missions

Supporting the deployment of space infrastructure across demonstration, constellation, and payload integration programmes.

Programme Type
Demonstration Missions

Most constellation programmes begin with a technology demonstration mission designed to validate payload performance, spacecraft functionality, and mission architecture. NewCraft supports demonstration missions by manufacturing and integrating spacecraft platforms.

  • Validating payload performance
  • Testing spacecraft subsystems
  • Confirming mission architecture
  • Demonstrating service capability
Programme Type
Constellation Manufacturing

As satellite services expand, missions increasingly require the deployment of multiple spacecraft operating as coordinated constellations. NewCraft provides the manufacturing capability required to support these deployments through repeatable production processes.

  • Multiple spacecraft from qualified designs
  • Consistent assembly and integration
  • Scalable manufacturing workflows
  • Efficient deployment of satellite fleets
Programme Type
Payload Integration

Many space missions are built around specialised payloads developed by research organisations, technology companies, or mission operators. NewCraft supports these missions by providing spacecraft platforms capable of accommodating and integrating a wide range of payload systems.

  • Payload accommodation design
  • Mechanical and electrical interface integration
  • System-level verification and testing
Programme Type
Partner Programs

Space missions often involve collaboration between multiple organisations. NewCraft works with partners across the space industry to support programmes requiring spacecraft manufacturing and integration capability.

  • Collaborative spacecraft development
  • Mission-specific manufacturing
  • Subsystem manufacturing for partner missions
  • Integration support for complex systems
Future Applications

Mission Categories

NewCraft is positioned to support spacecraft manufacturing across a wide range of mission applications.

🌍
Earth Observation

Environmental monitoring, climate observation, agriculture, and infrastructure management.

📡
Communications

Satellite constellations providing global connectivity and communications services.

🌊
Environmental

Space-based systems monitoring oceans, atmosphere, and environmental change.

🔭
Scientific

Spacecraft supporting research, scientific exploration, and academic missions.

🛡️
Defence & Security

Satellite systems supporting national security, situational awareness, and strategic monitoring.

⚙️
Industrial IoT

Connectivity and monitoring solutions for remote industrial and infrastructure assets.

The Team

Leadership

The founders and leadership behind NewCraft Aerospace — combining expertise in engineering, law, and industry development.

Founders

Building the Industrial Foundations of the Space Economy

NewCraft Aerospace was founded by leaders with experience across aerospace engineering, industry development, and the legal frameworks that support the commercial space sector.

James Barrington-Brown
Co-Founder

Aerospace engineer and entrepreneur with extensive experience in satellite systems and space hardware manufacturing. He previously co-founded NewSpace Systems, a company that became a globally recognised supplier of spacecraft components and subsystems used on satellites across international missions. Hardware developed by the company now flies on spacecraft operated by organisations around the world.

Through this experience he gained deep insight into the structural challenges associated with traditional vertically integrated aerospace manufacturing — leading to the creation of NewCraft Aerospace, focused on building an industrial approach to spacecraft manufacturing capable of supporting constellation-scale missions.

Adv. Yvette Barrington-Brown
Co-Founder

Legal practitioner and entrepreneur working at the intersection of space law, policy, and commercial space development. Her work focuses on creating the governance frameworks and collaborative environments required to support emerging space industries.

She is also the founder of Cape Constellation, a venture engine designed to support the development of space and frontier technology companies by providing shared infrastructure and a collaborative environment for engineers and entrepreneurs. Through her work across industry, policy, and ecosystem development, she focuses on enabling the conditions required for new space technology ventures to emerge and scale.

A Shared Vision

Together, the founders bring complementary expertise in engineering, law, and industry development. Their shared objective is to support the transition from traditional spacecraft projects toward scalable space infrastructure, supported by efficient manufacturing systems and collaborative innovation environments.

Updates & Analysis

News & Insights

Company updates, industry perspectives, and programme news from NewCraft Aerospace.

Company Updates
NewCraft Aerospace Establishes Manufacturing Operations in Somerset West

NewCraft Aerospace has established spacecraft manufacturing operations at its facility in Somerset West, Cape Town, supporting the industrialisation of spacecraft production for constellation-scale missions.

2025
Industry Perspectives
The Economics of Constellation Deployment: Why Horizontal Manufacturing Changes Everything

Analysis of how the separation of mission architecture from spacecraft production fundamentally changes the cost structure of satellite constellation deployment at scale.

2025
Mission & Programme Updates
Supporting the Transition from Demonstration to Operational Constellations

How NewCraft's repeatable manufacturing processes enable mission operators to scale from prototype spacecraft to operational fleets without fundamental redesign.

2025
Events & Engagements
NewCraft at International Space Industry Forums

Participation in industry conferences, technical forums, and collaborations with research institutions and space organisations as NewCraft builds its industry presence.

2025
Facilities & Operations

Gallery

A visual record of NewCraft's manufacturing facilities, hardware, and engineering operations.

Cleanroom Operations
Spacecraft Integration
Harness Manufacturing
Aerospace Components
Manufacturing Floor
Industry Engagements

Gallery images will be added as operations develop

Connect

Contact Us

Get in Touch

Connect with NewCraft Aerospace

For enquiries related to spacecraft manufacturing, partnerships, or collaboration opportunities.

General Enquiries
info@newcraftaerospace.com
Business & Partnerships
For organisations interested in spacecraft manufacturing, constellation deployment, or collaboration opportunities.
Media Enquiries
For press and media related requests.
Location
Somerset West
Cape Town
South Africa
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