From launch vehicles and satellite structures to solar array panels, carbon fibre composites play an important role in modern space applications. At Space Tech Expo Europe 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with Claire Baker, Business Development Lead for Space & Communications at Toray Advanced Composites, about the company’s materials, their applications and the growing demand associated with satellite constellations.
Materials used in space applications must meet a wide range of engineering requirements. Depending on the application, mechanical performance, weight, dimensional stability and environmental conditions are important considerations.
Carbon fibre reinforced composites provide engineers with different options for addressing these requirements when designing spacecraft and launch vehicle structures.
Toray Advanced Composites specializes in manufacturing prepregs and complementary composite materials, combining carbon fibres with resin systems such as epoxy and cyanate ester.
In our interview, Claire Baker highlights the company’s particular expertise in high-modulus fibres and prepregs for specialized applications.
The applications of these materials extend across different structural components within the space industry.
For launch vehicles, Claire mentions applications such as payload fairings, dispenser structures and launch vehicle adapters.
In satellites, composite materials are used in a variety of structural applications, including:
These examples demonstrate the broad range of applications for advanced composite materials in space systems.
Another topic addressed in the interview is the development of satellite constellations.
Claire describes increasing demand in this field and explains that Toray Advanced Composites is expanding its focus on these applications, particularly through its UK manufacturing operations.
From an engineering perspective, satellite constellations create additional requirements for producing multiple spacecraft with suitable structural materials.
Repeatable manufacturing processes and access to appropriate composite materials are therefore important considerations.
Beyond the space industry, Toray Advanced Composites also serves commercial aerospace, high-end automotive and industrial applications.
During Space Tech Expo Europe 2025 in Bremen, we had the pleasure of meeting Claire Baker and learning more about the company’s expertise in advanced composite materials.
In our interview, Claire introduces Toray Advanced Composites, discusses applications in launch vehicles and satellites, and shares her perspective on the growing importance of composite materials for satellite constellations.
We would like to thank Claire Baker and the Toray Advanced Composites team for the interesting conversation and the insights into their technologies.
Learn more about the company and its materials:
Space Tech Expo Europe provides a valuable platform for technical discussions, networking and exploring the latest developments across the European space industry.
We’ll be back in Bremen from November 17–19, 2026.
Meet our MSA Components team, our colleagues and Hi-Rel experts from Steliau Technology at Hall 5, Booth F11.
Together with our co-exhibitors 3D PLUS, Exxelia, Omnetics, VORAGO and Henkel, we look forward to discussing high-reliability electronics, advanced technologies and upcoming space projects.
Planning a new space project or looking to discuss technical requirements and potential solutions with our experts?
Schedule your personal meeting with our team at Space Tech Expo Europe 2026:
PERSONAL CONSULTATION
From component selection to design-in: our sales team advises you in person, by phone, video call or on site. We will set aside 30 minutes for you.
PERSÖNLICHE BERATUNG
Von der Bauteilauswahl bis zum Design-in: Unser Vertriebsteam berät Sie persönlich, telefonisch, per Videokonferenz oder vor Ort. Wir nehmen uns 30 Minuten Zeit.