A TECHNOLOGY firm, which earned global industry repute after work with Nasa, has gone into liquidation.

Peratech Limited, based near Richmond, North Yorkshire, ceased trading last year after losing a key contract.

Administrators Deloitte said the company has now moved into voluntary liquidation.

The firm was previously given an award by Nasa after its ultra-thin, pressure-sensing materials were used in the Robonaut’s hands, which was the first humanoid robot to be sent into space.

At one point, the company employed about 25 staff, operating from a base in a former Brompton-on-Swale repeater station.

An administrator's report said an agreement was previously reached to sell the business and assets to Peratech Holdco Limited, an affiliate of BMS Finance Asset Management.

However, it said that deal excluded a number of Peratech’s technology patents and licenses.

The administrator's report said: “The company was initially engaged in research and development of pressure sensitive conductive polymers, and following successful development, it licensed the technologies to third party customers worldwide.

"However, historically, it had a narrow customer base, generating revenue from a small number of fixed-term contracts with global companies.

“With its cost base being primarily fixed, the company had always been vulnerable to an unexpected loss of a major customer.

“It managed to secure a three-month extension on a license agreement, when it was expected a new development and manufacturing license would be agreed.

“However, a renewal could not be agreed, severely impacting the company’s cash flows and ability to settle liabilities due to secured creditors.”

The Northern Echo previously revealed how Peratech unveiled a system to stop credit card fraud, creating an ultra thin switch capable of being fitted inside a credit card and passport and blocking data scanning devices from picking up personal information.

It also created electronic clothing, using its Quantum Tunnelling Composite technology that detected hazardous vapours, and an electronic nose, which used sensors so delicate they could trace minute hazardous chemicals in the air.