Dec Group to Develop High-Containment Isolator for Advanced Extra-Terrestrial Sample Analysis

Dec Group is proud to collaborate with Space Park Leicester on the development of a Double-Walled Isolator (DWI) for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ambitious Mars Sample Return (MSR) program. As a leading provider of advanced isolator systems, Dec Group brings decades of expertise in designing and manufacturing high-containment, ultra-clean environments for critical sectors such as nuclear, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s renowned science and innovation hub, has initiated this project to create a state-of-the-art DWI that will enable safe handling and detailed analysis of extra-terrestrial samples, including those potentially returned from Mars. The DWI will serve as a self-contained, ultra-clean mini-laboratory, incorporating cutting-edge robotics to minimize human interaction and eliminate cross-contamination risks - an essential feature for planetary protection and sample integrity.

Our role as the industrial partner involves translating the stringent technical requirements into a robust, reliable design. Following the successful completion of the ESA System Requirements Review (SRR), Dec Group is now progressing toward detailed design and manufacturing of the Qualification Model. This model will simulate the entire process for the scientific analysis of Martian analogue materials within the DWI, ensuring the system meets all operational and containment standards.

Dec Group’s extensive experience in producing purpose-tailored isolator systems for highly regulated environments ensures that the DWI will incorporate advanced features such as inert gas environments, robotic manipulation, and integrated analytical instrument interfaces - including optical microscopes and Raman spectrometers. Our facilities in Huddersfield are equipped to deliver high-precision manufacturing, adhering to the highest industry standards for cleanliness and containment.

Darren Hughes, Managing Director of Dec Group’s Extract Technology division, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are honored to be selected as the partner for this prestigious project. Our team’s decades of experience in designing and manufacturing advanced containment systems position us well to deliver a solution that meets the demanding needs of space science and planetary protection. Building the DWI at our UK facility in Huddersfield highlights our commitment to local expertise and innovation.”

The DWI project underscores Dec Group’s commitment to supporting pioneering scientific endeavors and advancing containment technology. We look forward to working with Space Park Leicester and its collaborators to deliver a world-class isolator system that will enable scientists to unlock the secrets of Mars and other celestial bodies safely and effectively.