Business Details
Innovative Aerospace Engineering & High-Altitude Testing
Elson Space Engineering is a pioneering aerospace and high-altitude technology company led by Andy Elson, a globally recognised aeronautical engineer with over 45 years of experience. Our team combines specialised expertise in research, development, engineering, logistics, and project management to deliver cutting-edge solutions for space exploration, life-support systems, and high-altitude testing. We have set more than 65 world records through innovative design and engineering excellence, serving clients across academia, defence, and commercial sectors. Our capabilities include hypobaric chamber testing, High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) development, and advanced data acquisition systems.With a focus on safety, precision, and innovation, we support projects ranging from manned balloon ascents to next-generation UAV platforms. Our collaboration with institutions like QinetiQ and SpaceX underscores our leadership in disruptive aerospace technologies. Backed by a dedicated fabrication workshop and state-of-the-art test facilities, we provide tailored solutions for extreme environment challenges. Our international operations, including Elson Space Espaa, extend our expertise to meteorological research and HAPS flight trials. Committed to advancing human understanding of high-altitude environments, we bridge the gap between terrestrial engineering and space exploration.
Services
Hypobaric Chamber Testing
HAPS Development
Life-Support Systems
Data Acquisition
High-Altitude Testing
UAV Design
Extreme Environment Research
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in aerospace engineering and high-altitude technology.
- Our team has set 65+ world records in extreme environment engineering.
- We offer proprietary hypobaric chamber testing for product reliability in extreme conditions.
- We co-developed the Zephyr HAPS platform and pioneered Astigan HAPS projects.
- Our engineers hold expertise in both lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air aerospace systems.
Services
Hypobaric Chamber Testing
Our hypobaric chambers replicate extreme altitudes up to 132,000 feet for testing equipment reliability. Clients benefit from custom temperature controls, real-time data acquisition, and 24/7 automated testing cycles. This service supports aerospace, defence, and medical research applications requiring precise environmental validation.
HAPS Development
We design and test High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) for persistent surveillance and communication solutions. Our expertise spans both lighter-than-air and fixed-wing platforms, including the Astigan HAPS project. These systems offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional satellites for long-duration missions.
Life-Support Systems
We engineer life-support systems for manned high-altitude and space missions. Our solutions include pressurised capsules and emergency protocols tested in extreme conditions. These systems prioritise crew safety during record-breaking flights and scientific expeditions.
Data Acquisition
Our data acquisition systems capture real-time pressure, temperature, and performance metrics during high-altitude tests. Clients receive live internet access to results, ensuring transparency and enabling immediate analysis for critical decision-making in extreme environment projects.
UAV Design
We develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for high-altitude research and commercial applications. Our designs integrate advanced avionics, solar power systems, and autonomous navigation tailored for stratospheric operations and long-duration flights.
People
Andy Elson
Founder & Lead Engineer
With over 45 years in aerospace engineering, Andy pioneered HAPS technology and set 65+ world records in high-altitude flight and life-support systems. His expertise spans manned balloon ascents and UAV development.
Simon Ashby
Associate
Geospatial specialist with leadership roles at Ordnance Survey and the UK Home Office. He focuses on systems integration and payload design for aerospace applications, joining ESE in 2017.
Miriam Royo Navarro
Director, Elson Space Espaa
Telecommunications engineer specialising in electronic systems and UAV certification. She leads HAPS flight trials in Spain and holds expertise in high-vacuum astronomical instrumentation and meteorology.
Questions
What aerospace services does Elson Space Engineering offer?
We specialise in HAPS development, hypobaric chamber testing, life-support systems, and extreme environment engineering for aerospace and defence clients.
How experienced is Elson Space Engineering in high-altitude projects?
With over 45 years of experience, we have set 65+ world records in high-altitude technology and manned balloon ascents.
Can Elson test equipment for extreme environments?
Yes, our hypobaric chambers simulate altitudes up to 132,000 feet with custom temperature and pressure controls for rigorous product validation.
Does Elson collaborate internationally?
We work globally, including Elson Space Espaa in Spain, supporting HAPS trials and meteorological research across Europe and Australia.
What notable projects has Elson completed?
Projects include QinetiQ 1's world-record balloon, SpaceX Dragon capsule prototypes, and Bear Grylls' Mission Everest high-altitude testing.
