SmallSpark Space Systems

SmallSpark Space Systems is a Cardiff-based aerospace company founded in 2018 with a mission to make access to space affordable and environmentally sustainable. The company was born from CEO Joseph Ward's ambition to develop a new generation of low-cost, non-toxic rocket engines capable of placing small satellites into low Earth orbit — at a fraction of the cost of incumbent launch providers.

SmallSpark's approach combines advanced hybrid rocket propulsion with proprietary AI and machine learning tools for engine design optimisation. The company develops its Digital Fusion Technology to AI-design solid rocket motors, alongside a cloud-based Mission Management Suite for spacecraft mission planning. Its CIPHER modular payload interface unit further supports efficient spacecraft development. The company operates from Cardiff Bay and is building towards a South Wales propulsion test facility.

SmallSpark has secured approximately £2.95 million across seed and grant funding from Deepbridge Capital, Research England, the UK Space Agency, and the European Regional Development Fund. The company has won contracts with the Ministry of Defence for AI-driven rocket engine optimisation, been recognised at the Wales Startup Awards, and has been shortlisted by NVIDIA at GTC for its deep-tech approach to the space sector.