about plastron
exceptional cross-sector experience
Propulsion engineering
We have over 40 years in spacecraft propulsion system design, test and launch-site operations across scientific and communication satellite programmes. Over their careers our team members have worked with major organisations, including ESA, CNES, Airbus, OHB, Thales & Nammo.
Hazardous environment engineering
We continue to benefit from our partners delivering spacecraft fueling campaigns for the European space sector. Our track record includes launch table heavy engineering and commercial launch campaigns for the French Space Agency, CNES.
High-risk operations, design and improvement
Not just space engineering specialists, our team also has extensive experience in service and process design for healthcare products and services as well as motor racing operations.
Advanced manufacturing
Our work benefits from our experience applying advanced composites in the build and repair of high-end sports cars and hyper cars, including driver protection systems.
Digital product design
We have over 20 years in specialist technology service and product design, supporting the evolution of digital capabilities for the UK and international health & life science sectors including the NHS, government and global brands.
meet the founders
Charlie Young
Mechanical engineer with a background in spacecraft propulsion (BAe), launch system heavy engineering (CNES) and launch campaign management (CNES). He has 20 years’ experience in multi-channel service design for commercial clients, with a specific focus on healthcare and played a leading role designing online health service programmes for NHS Direct, Department of Health, Bupa. He set up Plastron UK and Plastron Training with the ambition of ensuring NewSpace is a successful business sector in the UK by focusing on safety, quality and productivity improvement.
Chris smith
Analytical chemist with an ongoing role in spacecraft propulsion system design, test and fuel transfer processing. With over 25 years in propellant chemistry and sub-system design & test, his work has included ballistic missile propulsion systems as well as complex communication and satellite subsystem handling. During his career he has personally managed propellant system processing for over 70 satellite launches globally. In 2022 his business, European Astrotech continue to support launch and testing of high quality launcher and spacecraft propulsion flight hardware.
graham schultz
A motor sport mechanic and former racing driver by his profession, Graham runs the UK’s only private motor sport race team, with successes in both the UK and internationally. His experience in the use of composites for human safety in racing and training drills for operational teams over the past thirty years directly contributes to the design of our research initiatives for organisational transformation through his extensive knowledge of a comparable supply-chain built on exacting safety standards. He continues to work in the motorsport sector and is currently leading Plastron’s investigation into developing a native orbital life sciences supply-chain.