Founded in 2011, one of the first players in the New Space market, D-Orbit are building a space logistics infrastructure that will enable service providers to streamline satellite launch, across-orbit transportation, on-orbit servicing and refueling, and end of mission disposal.
Space West Newsletter - April 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the April edition of our Space West Newsletter. With each newsletter, we aim to share the most recent discoveries, advancements, and stories from the world of Space in the South West.
About Space West
Space West is a regional consortium of academic and industry partners designed to strengthen our security accelerate growth and innovation in the space sector within the region and nationally. The Space West programme is hosted by the National Composites Centre, in partnership with West of England Combined Authority, the Centre for Modelling and Simulation, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England.
Space West Regional Map
40th Space Symposium - April 7-10, 2025 The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO USA
The South West was represented at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Spring USA by Space West Cluster Manager Rebecca Huffee. The aim of the visit was to support inward investment, engaging with international companies to identify opportunities for investment, trade and collaboration.
The South West Space Partnership hosted an event on the Monday evening in partnership with UKSpace trade association, well attended and received by regional stakeholders, UK and international delegates.
The conference was quieter than previous years, reflecting the new US administration’s public sector efficiencies and wider economic uncertainty. Conversely, this instability strengthened US business interests in UK and European markets and presented an opportunity to drive trade and investment towards the UK.
Rebecca also had the opportunity to showcase the South West region to Colorado Governor Jared Polis in a conversation following the DBT signing of an MOU for collaboration between Colorado and the UK. The MOU has already led to a collaboration between the state and the University of Bristol around Quantum and we look forwards to following up the conversation to explore further areas for collaboration.
Evaluation of Civil Space Domain Awareness Activities 2024-2025
Last week UK Space Agency published their evaluation of Civil Space Domain Awareness Activities. The report highlights the need for the National Space Operations Centre (NSpoC) programme to move with greater agility, ensuring that delivery of capability not only meets the requirements of today but that considers a future. Despite some bumps in the road, the report clearly articulates the benefits brought by the collaborative approach of bridging civil and Defence capabilities.
Join Us for Networking Drinks at The Architect, Bristol
Following the inaugural meeting of the Space West Steering Board, we’re inviting you to join us for drinks and informal networking at The Architect in Bristol.
Date: Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Architect, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA.
This is a chance to catch up, make new connections, and chat with others involved in the Space West community in a relaxed setting. No need to RSVP, just drop in. We hope to see you there!
Mark Woods Announcement
We’re delighted to share that Mark Woods, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Robotics, AI and Autonomy at CFMS and a key partner in the Space West ecosystem, has been appointed as an external expert and advisor to the UK Space Agency’s Space Exploration Advisory Committee (SEAC).
As an independent industry advisor, Mark will represent the voices of start-ups, SMEs, scale-ups, and mid-caps, bringing diverse perspectives to the table at the highest strategic and technical levels. With extensive experience in robotic, autonomous, and AI-driven exploration, Mark brings a valuable mix of industrial, research, and strategic insight to the committee.
His areas of interest include shaping the UK’s direction in Robotic Exploration (Low Earth Orbit, the Moon, Mars) and Human Spaceflight. If your organisation is active or interested in these areas, we’d be happy to connect you with Mark, and Mark is also open to being contacted directly.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark said:
"I am honoured to be appointed to the Space Exploration Advisory Committee to advise UKSA and present the voices of industry at a highly strategic level. The UK's space exploration agenda needs to remain innovative, bold and commercially competitive."
CySpace CCN Workshop - First event in Manchester on 9th May
From May to September 2025, the CySpace Connected Capability Network (CCN) is hosting regional workshops across the UK to identify key space domain awareness and cyber capabilities and mapping them to a national Requirements Catalogue. The events will bring together industry, academia, and government to strengthen resilience of UK space infrastructure.
The first event (9th May, Manchester) is coming up soon, so be sure to register your interest before it’s too late!
Each workshop will be a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, contribute insights, and help shape the future of secure space operations.
* Manchester, North West - 9th May 2025
* Belfast, Northern Ireland - 3rd June 2025
* Cheltenham, South West - 5th June 2025
* Newcastle, North East - 26th June 2025
* Edinburgh, Scotland - 4th September 2025
* London, Central South - 23rd September 2025
Bath Digital Festival – 13th – 15th May 2025
The Bath Digital Festival 2025 will take place from 13 to 15 May in Bath, UK. The event will explore digital innovation across themes such as space, sustainability, and human-centric technologies. It will feature showcases, interactive workshops, and talks designed to inspire and engage participants from various sectors. Registration is required to attend. See more here.
Opportunity
Bath Digital Festival has a whole day dedicated to Space on the 13th May and you can be a part of it, showcasing your solution to the wider regional tech community from 9.30am - 11.30am. It's free, fun and impactful, the festival has over 1500 attendees, from students to c-suite, and a huge presence on social media - email [email protected] to express your interest.
Spotlight on... Studio Giggle
Check out our 'Spotlight' on section to discover stand out companies making waves in the regions space industry. Learn about innovations, achievements, products and contributions to the field.
Studio Giggle is a creative agency in Bristol’s vibrant Paintworks. We pride ourselves on our ability to blend cutting-edge creativity with strategic vision to engage your audiences and elevate brands.
We produce content specifically for the Space and Technology sectors and have worked with clients within Space West and beyond,
Our expertise spans across in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, ensuring that every experience is tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether it’s an in person conference, a virtual product launch or a seamless hybrid experience, we creatively tell your story to keep audiences engaged.
In addition to our event expertise, Studio Giggle are leaders in the field of hyper-realistic animation in software like Unreal Engine.
Unreal Engine is especially well suited to the Space sector. Our talented artists craft detailed and lifelike visual content that brings complex concepts to life. Whether it’s simulating cutting-edge technology, showcasing product design, or visualizing data, our animations captivate audiences and drive understanding.
Studio Giggle Video
Video: Pulsar Fusion Sunbird - Migratory Transfer Vehicle
Research in Focus...
Explore academic research happening right here in the region. Stay informed about the latest advancements and contributions from our local scientific and engineering community.
Neil Fox and Tom Scott at The University of Bristol.
'Bristol Radio Voltaics for Space'
The project funding details: OSIP Open Channel Early Technology Development, Activities Evaluation Session 2020-03 –Idea I-2020-01241.
An ESA-funded Discovery project has been completed by the University of Bristol that aimed to showcase the use of diamond radiovoltaics for space power applications.
During this ESA Discovery project a collaboration between the University of Bristol and UKAEA was established that facilitated access to the Material Research Facility at Culham and the installation therein of a diamond growth CVD system designed and built by the University of Bristol for the safe synthesis of carbon-14 diamond thin films using a novel synthesis method termed Static Flow CVD.
A carbon-14 diamond was successfully synthesized from carbon-14 methane and hydrogen gas and selectively incorporated into a carbon-12 diamond semiconductor diode structure, estimated efficiency of the battery is 25% compared with 10% for diamond beta voltaic battery with an ‘external’ beta source.
As a conceptual technology for supporting space exploration, the Radio Voltaic Power Supply (RVPSTM) - based on Bristol’s diamond radiovoltaics - aims to provide self-heating for electronics, as well as continuous micropower for decades, supporting long duration missions and sensor applications.
Follow-on project work will focus on integrating a carbon-14 diamond radiovoltaic with supercapacitor storage and transponder technology to realise the active RFID tag and its application for use with space craft and payloads. The follow-on activity envisioned will seek to include several industrial collaborators, including UKAEA.
Events
Check out our events section to stay informed about upcoming conferences, workshops and networking opportunities in the region. Connect, learn and grow with the best in the field!
CySpace CCN Workshop - First event in Manchester on 9th May
From May to September 2025, the CySpace Connected Capability Network (CCN) is hosting regional workshops across the UK to identify key space domain awareness and cyber capabilities and mapping them to a national Requirements Catalogue. The events will bring together industry, academia, and government to strengthen resilience of UK space infrastructure.
The first event (9th May, Manchester) is coming up soon, so be sure to register your interest before it’s too late!
Each workshop will be a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, contribute insights, and help shape the future of secure space operations.
Bath Digital Festival - 13-15 May
Bath Digital Festival is set to return in 2025 to transform Bath into a vibrant hub of innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge technology. More than just a local event, this curated festival aims to provide a platform for the entire South West region to explore, learn, and celebrate advancements in the digital and tech industries.
Bath Digital Festival has a whole day dedicated to Space on the 13th May and you can be a part of it, showcasing your solution to the wider regional tech community from 9.30am - 11.30am. It's free, fun and impactful, the festival has over 1500 attendees, from students to c-suite, and a huge presence on social media - email [email protected] to express your interest
Paris Airshow UK Supplier Discovery Tours – 16th –18th June, 2025.
Organised by His Majesty’s Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and ADS, the UK Supplier Discovery Tour at the Paris Air Show offers international aerospace and defence customers a chance to meet UK-based suppliers. This business development initiative will showcase UK capabilities spanning early-stage innovations to fully developed systems across civil aerospace, space, and defence. Confirmed and prospective international customers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Embraer, GE, and RTX. Participating UK companies will be featured in a UK Capability Brochure to help customers select potential partners for one-on-one meetings during the show.
University of Bath -EUREKA Physics for Security - 7 July 2025
The University of Bath's Department of Physics is hosting Eureka 2025! Physics for Security, a three-day international conference from 7 to 9 July 2025 at the Apex City of Bath Hotel. This event aims to unite academia, industry, and stakeholders such as fund managers, scientific editors, and policymakers to discuss emerging sciences and nascent technologies with significant potential. Topics will include specialty optical fibres, quantum photonics, two-dimensional materials, functional and quantum devices, lasers, nano and photonic platforms, sensing technologies, and biosensing methods. The conference will feature talks, poster sessions, an industrial exhibition, and social events like a trip to Stonehenge and a welcome dinner. Subsidised tickets are available, and registration is required by 31 May 2025.
Defence Simulation, Education & Training (DSET) conference - 8 to 10 July 2025
The Defence Simulation, Education & Training (DSET) conference is scheduled from 8 to 10 July 2025 in Bristol, UK. This hybrid event offers a platform for military, government, academia, and industry professionals to collaborate on advancements in military simulation and training. The agenda includes a Wargaming Festival, specialist seminars, and the British Army Security & Cyber Conference. Attendees can participate in person or virtually, with registration required.
UK Space Conference - July 16-17 2025
The UK’s flagship space sector event returns this summer, bringing together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore the future of space innovation, defence, and research. With the theme “Space for Growth”, the conference will highlight the expanding role of space in driving economic renewal and technological advancement.
Attendees can expect keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and enhanced networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across the sector. The event will also feature a post-conference report summarising key insights and commitments.
Tickets are now on sale, with discounted rates available for students and small businesses. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available for organisations looking to engage with the space community.
*Space West will be at stall B6. Feel free to drop by and say hello!*
Opportunities
Stay up to date with the latest grants and funding support available in the space industry. Propel your projects and research to new heights!
ESA 'Kick-Start' Feasibility Studies
The European Space Agency (ESA) offers funding for six-month feasibility studies known as 'Kick-Starts'. ESA will fund 75% of each Kick-Start project, up to €75,000 per contract. These studies can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Current opportunities include:
- Space for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture: Funding for teams developing services integrating technology solutions for smart cities and urban agriculture.
- Space Supporting Environmental Claims: Funding for teams developing services that provide support and evidence for environmental claims and labeling.
- Space for Insurance Technology: Funding for teams developing services integrating technology solutions for the insurance sector.
Upcoming ESA European Launcher Challenge Tender
The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to issue an invitation to tender for the European Launcher Challenge next week. This initiative aims to strengthen Europe's independent access to space by supporting new entrants in the launcher sector. Companies are required to co-fund their proposals. Bids will be evaluated around midyear, with contracts expected after ESA's ministerial meeting in November 2025.
ESA Graduate Trainee Programme 2025
ESA is accepting applications for its Graduate Trainee Programme 2025. The pre-selection and interview process for shortlisted candidates will occur between March and May 2025, with final selections made by ESA in June. The program offers opportunities for recent graduates to contribute to ESA's missions and projects.
Space4Climate Market Breakthrough Funding Phase 2
Space4Climate has announced the call for Market Breakthrough Funding Phase 2, with a deadline of 12 April 2025. This funding aims to accelerate the adoption of satellite-based climate services in sectors such as sustainable finance, greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, and agriculture. UK-registered entities of any size are eligible to apply, either individually or as part of a collaborative project team. Projects should start no later than 1 June 2025 and end by 31 December 2025.
ESA 'Kick-Start' Feasibility Studies
The European Space Agency (ESA) offers funding for six-month feasibility studies known as 'Kick-Starts'. ESA will fund 75% of each Kick-Start project, up to €75,000 per contract. These studies can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Current opportunities include:
-Space for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture: Funding for teams developing services integrating technology solutions for smart cities and urban agriculture.
-Space Supporting Environmental Claims: Funding for teams developing services that provide support and evidence for environmental claims and labeling.
-Space for Insurance Technology: Funding for teams developing services integrating technology solutions for the insurance sector.
Eureka 2025! Physics for Security
The University of Bath's Department of Physics is hosting Eureka 2025! Physics for Security, a three-day international conference from 7 to 9 July 2025 at the Apex City of Bath Hotel. This event aims to unite academia, industry, and stakeholders such as fund managers, scientific editors, and policymakers to discuss emerging sciences and nascent technologies with significant potential. Topics will include specialty optical fibres, quantum photonics, two-dimensional materials, functional and quantum devices, lasers, nano and photonic platforms, sensing technologies, and biosensing methods. The conference will feature talks, poster sessions, an industrial exhibition, and social events like a trip to Stonehenge and a welcome dinner. Subsidised tickets are available, and registration is required by 31 May 2025.
3rd Exchange Scheme Open Call
Deadline: Monday, 14 April 2025 - The EC-funded ENFIELD project is offering €1.1M in funding to support 76 researchers through four rounds of exchange open calls. This third call invites individual researchers—ranging from PhD students to senior academics—and research groups to submit project proposals addressing key ENFIELD challenges. Successful proposals will advance AI research and its practical applications.
Public Engagement Spark Awards 2025
Deadline: Thursday, 24 April 2025 - Funding is available to support projects that engage the public with science, technology, and facilities backed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Eligible applicants must be based in the UK and represent an organisation with certified annual accounts. Proposals should clearly align with STFC’s research areas and include a subject matter expert in an STFC-funded field. The scheme covers project costs up to £20,000, with STFC providing full funding. Projects should last between 12 and 36 months.
Responsive Mode Call: Exploration Community Development
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice - The UK Space Agency is offering funding (subject to annual budget availability) to support activities that strengthen the UK space exploration community. Eligible initiatives include community-building efforts, networking opportunities, and participation in relevant conferences or showcases. Applicants must outline how their proposed activities will benefit the UK space exploration community
ESA BIC UK
Deadline: Sunday, 6th April 2025 - The ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK) supports start-ups using space technology or data to drive innovation and business growth. As part of ESA Space Solutions, it offers technical expertise, business support, office space, and funding. Benefits include: Business development support and mentoring, £43,103 in funding, and access to office space and shared facilities. Eligible applicants must be a UK-registered company (less than five years old) with a clear link to space technology or data and have at least one team member based in the UK.
Open Call for Innovation CY2025 - Cycle 1
Deadline: Tuesday, 29th April 2025 - The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Open Call for Innovation seeks groundbreaking ideas to address challenges across the Defence and Security sectors, providing the UK with a competitive advantage. This open call invites proposals even where no specific requirement has been outlined, encouraging innovative and disruptive solutions. DASA is particularly interested in ideas that: Improve existing defence outcomes through new or novel approaches. Deliver new or enhanced capabilities using modern techniques or technology. Enhance current capabilities in innovative ways to increase efficiency or effectiveness. While there is no minimum project value, most projects typically receive funding between £250,000 and £300,000.
Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 20
Deadline: Wednesday, 7th May 2025 - Innovate UK is providing loans of up to £25 million to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for late-stage, high-potential research and development (R&D) projects. These loans are designed to support innovations with a clear path to commercialisation and economic impact. Projects should result in new, cutting-edge products, processes, or services, or propose novel applications of existing technologies. Additionally, innovative business models may be supported. Loan amounts range from £100,000 to £2 million.
Canada-UK Collaborative R&D
Deadline: Wednesday, 16th April 2025. UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £3 million to collaborate with Canadian SMEs on joint R&D projects. To lead a project, your organisation must be a UK-registered business of any size, or include at least one UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that claims grants, or be a Canadian profit-oriented SME. Each collaboration must involve at least one UK-registered SME and one eligible Canadian SME. UK partners can request up to £300,000 in grant funding per project.
ESA Space Solutions - Commercial Applications of Space-Enabled Robotics
The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) is a £16 million programme to boost small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) defence innovation.
Made Smarter West of England
West of England Combined Authority are supporting businesses in the region to explore the benefits from the implementation of digital technologies. Providing access to grant funding, bespoke expertise and guidance for your business as well as skills and training.
European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Defence and Security Accelerator
The Defence and Security Accelerator find and fund exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively. Check it out for open calls for funding.
Core Competitiveness
ESA's ARTES Core Competitiveness programme helps European and Canadian industry to develop innovative satcom products, services, systems and partnerships.
South West Investment Fund (SWIF)
The South West Investment Fund is the first in a series of new Nations and Regions Investment Funds being launched by the British Business Bank, and it will deliver a £200 million commitment of new funding to the area. The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.
Space-related R&D, innovation and education
Details on open funding opportunities from the UK Space Agency, the space sector, academic, education and community partners.
- Exploration Science working group support
- ARTES: Invitations To Tender (ESA Workplan Activities)
- Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP)
- Student support: ESA microgravity programmes
- Responsive Mode Call - Exploration Community Development
- General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
National Cyber Security Centre
Opportunities for secondments at NCSC advisor roles for Radio Frequency security and Private Critical National Infrastructure secondments.
Investor Partnerships Future Economy
A three-year initiative to boost Future Economy-focused SMEs through aligning grant funding for R&D development with investment from partnerships with credible investor partners
ESA Workshop on UK Industrial Participation
The European Space Agency (ESA) is hosting the ESA Workshop on UK Industrial Participation on 23 April 2025 at their Harwell facility. This workshop will explore opportunities for UK businesses to engage with ESA programmes, with sessions covering legal frameworks, bidding processes, and insights into upcoming funding opportunities following the Council of Ministers 25 (CMIN-25) meeting. The event is open to representatives from UK-based entities interested in learning more about ESA’s industrial landscape and future collaborations. Spaces are limited, and registration is required.
Jobs in the Space West Region
Looking for your next career move in the space industry? Explore our jobs section to find exciting opportunities right here in the region. From engineering roles to business development, your dream job in space awaits!
Various roles - D-Orbit
D-Orbit is the market leader in space logistics and transportation, with a track record of space-proven technologies and successful missions.
Various roles - iCOMAT
ICOMAT is an ambitious advanced manufacturing company with game changing technology and critically people with the imagination and drive to grow a business that will enable leading OEMs in the Aeronautics, Automotive Space and Defence sectors to significantly reduce the weight and improve the performance and efficiency of their vehicles & products.
Various roles - Starion UK
Starion UK, now headquartered in Bath, is keen to recruit the best expertise to deliver space segment and ground segment systems and studies. Whilst there is not currently a recruitment campaign underway, we welcome CV’s from those seeking roles in these areas.
Space Forge
Space Forge is extraordinarily diverse team of incredibly talented people dedicated to making returnable, reusable orbital factories a reality. From our team lunches to our team ownership, Space Forge is building the company others aspire theirs to be. So if you’ve got the right stuff (and really know your stuff), then why wait?
Magdrive
Looking for a new opportunity and would like to join one of the UK’s most exciting space startups?
Linked are current vacancies with Magdrive. If there isn’t anything that is a perfect fit for you and you would like to make a speculative enquiry, then please send your CV to [email protected]
Babcock
Babcock provides critical complex engineering services which save lives, support national defence and protect communities. Focussing on three highly regulated markets: defence, emergency services and civil nuclear - Delivering vital services and managing complex assets in the UK and internationally.
Space West Activity Page
Stay connected and witness our exciting endeavors throughout the year. Explore upcoming events, collaborative initiatives, and engaging projects.
Published date: 29/04/2025