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 - January 2025
Welcome to the January 2025 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 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
Space Security Roadshow – Bristol and upcoming events
Space West continues to spear head UK efforts to strengthen the resilience of the UK Space sector. Space West has teamed up with UK Space Agency to deliver the Space Security Roadshows, which kicked off in Bristol earlier this month. The roadshows aim to shine a spotlight on the threat landscape associated with space, helping space tech start up and SMEs learn more about the support available. Craig Needham, Space Resilience Manager from UK Space Agency set the scene, presenting on the wider threat landscape associated with space and the scale of the challenge in addressing the challenges. We were joined by Airbus’s Space Programme Procurement Manager, Martin Lee, who shared his insights into challenges for primes around security in the supply chain. Jack Meadows the work that the Civil Aviation Authority has done to support businesses to navigate the necessary regulation needed for deployment and operation in the UK. The workshop also explored how the future threat landscape would change in response to new and emerging technologies and Dr Sana Belguith, University of Bristol presented on her research around this.
We are excited to visit Space Scotland in Glasgow next on the 4th March, quickly followed by Space North East in Newcastle on the 11th March to help spread the word and understand more about the unique challenges faced by different parts of the sector across the UK.
Cyspace Working Group Workshop
The CySpace Connected Capability Network kicked off the year with the first of the first of the working group workshops. Chaired by Ali Stickings of Frazer Nash Consultancy and 3s Northumbria’s Ralph Dinsley, we were supported by all of the key relevant government agencies, industry and academic representatives. The working group will set out the areas of focus which will underpin UK wide mapping of relevant capability that is needed to provide security and resilience to our Space Domain Awareness capability.
The CySpace Connected Capability Network aims to create a more resilient space domain by bringing together partners from across industry, academia and government within and outside the space sector to map relevant capabilities and expertise that can be leveraged to create new products and services that address our most critical vulnerabilities. This CySpace CCN is led by SpaceWest and delivered in partnership with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Space South Central, North West Space Cluster, Space North East, Space Wales, Space East and Space Northern Ireland as well as our cyber cluster from across the UK. The programme is funded and supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult as part of their Connected Capability programme.
Applications close for Global Executive MBA scholarship on Monday 24 February
A new Executive development opportunity is now available for Defence and Space sector personnel, with your requirements specifically in mind.
The University of Exeter is pleased to be part of the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) (GEMBA) partnership, working alongside the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Carnegie Mellon USA, to deliver an innovative approach to supporting current and future leaders in Global Defence and Space.
Research in Focus
The Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol is one of the UK's most renowned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) research centres which addresses grand societal and industrial challenges.
Our 200 experts on 5G radio/wireless, optical communications and networks challenge the complexity of tomorrow's world by fusing research expertise and innovation in a range of research areas such as: IoT, 5G and Beyond, Future Transport Networks, Smart Cities, Autonomous Networks, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Network, Convergence, Mobile Edge Computing and Network Softwarization.
Our unique offering across optical, wireless, IoT and cloud technologies enable us to bring together end-to-end network design and optimisation and impact regional, national and global ICT innovations.
Check out the 6G Research at the University of Bristol on You Tube here.
Spotlight on...HLK
HLK is a specialist intellectual property (IP) firm servicing the South West. They work with companies of all sizes to help identify, protect, and commercialise their IP.
IP experts who think like you
HLK understands that, for your business to get the most of its IP, you need experts who think like you and who care about your innovations as much as you do.
They have expert teams organised across the practice areas of: Tech, Chemistry & Life Sciences, Engineering & Environment, Designs, Trade Marks and Litigation. Yet, they recognise that innovation does not always fit neatly into boxes, so they also have teams focussing on specific fields, including Space, AI, Materials, Electronic Systems & Circuits, Semiconductors, and Green Tech.
HLK’s broad technical expertise enables them to offer insightful, tailored IP advice across virtually all technology areas, and they are particularly appreciative of the challenges protecting innovations in the space sector, some of which are nicely summarised in HLK's article in Space News.
HLK’s clients and services
HLK work with some of the most exciting and forward-looking businesses in the world. Their clients include universities, research institutes, SMEs, early-stage businesses, and corporates, many of whom they have worked with for over 50 years.
Whether you need help with strategy, obtaining IP protection, preventing others from using your IP, defending allegations of infringement, or with IP agreements, HLK can support your business in achieving its best.
Connect with HLK
Working out of our Bristol office, Lisa Williams is a UK and European Patent Attorney.
She has particular experience working with early-stage businesses and SMEs, and in the applications of space technology. Lisa spent a number of years providing IP support to companies of ESA business incubation centre in the Netherlands.
Contact Lisa to find out how HLK can help your business.
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!
Would you welcome professional and practical learning for you as a sector specialist?
A new Executive development opportunity is now available for Defence and Space sector personnel, with your requirements specifically in mind.
The University of Exeter is pleased to be part of the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) (GEMBA) partnership, working alongside the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Carnegie Mellon USA, to deliver an innovative approach to supporting current and future leaders in Global Defence and Space.
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
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!
Ignite Space 5-6 February 2025
Acting as a catalyst for commercial success, Ignite Space conference and exhibition 2025 will create opportunities for you and your business to engage with new customers, collaborators and investors within the UK space industry and its supply chain.
Space Talks 25-27 February 2025
Space West is proud to be supporting Space Talks. Building on the success of previous editions, SPACEtalks returns for its 5th instalment with an exciting new format. This year, the event spans three full days, featuring insightful presentations and discussions on existing markets, future markets, and security.
Event Space Security Roadshow - Tuesday 4 March 2025
As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for society, the economy, and national security, it is also becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. Innovation continues to expand the capabilities of space systems, making them essential - but also more vulnerable to a range of risks.
Join us to ensure your organisation is equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving space environment and to safeguard the integrity of critical space systems.
Our first event will be taking place in Glasgow on Tuesday 4 March 2025 from 10.00am-4.00pm at National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).
We'll be hosting events nationwide. Stay tuned for workshop dates and locations near you!
Event Space Security Roadshow - Tuesday 11 March 2025
As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for society, the economy, and national security, it is also becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. Innovation continues to expand the capabilities of space systems, making them essential - but also more vulnerable to a range of risks.
Join us to ensure your organisation is equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving space environment and to safeguard the integrity of critical space systems.
Our first event will be taking place in Newcastle on Tuesday 11 March 2025 from 10.00am-4.00pm at The Catalyst.
We'll be hosting events nationwide. Stay tuned for workshop dates and locations near you!
Space Comm Expo 11-12 March 2025
Space West is delighted to be supporting the Space-Comm Expo at ExCeL London.
Space-Comm is the UK’s leading event for the space industry with over 200 exhibitors, 120+ speakers and, 5,000 attendees.
Space-Comm Expo is the largest and most influential event for the UK space industry, attracting global leaders from NASA, the European Space Agency, the United Nations and delegates from across government, defence, aerospace and academia.
40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE) - 17-21 March 2025
Farnborough International Space Show 2025 will see a new look Farnborough Space show and Space West can offer our cluster members the chance to share a stand at a much-reduced price. The event is taking place between 19-20 March 2025 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, and the event connects the global space community across industry, defence, government and academia.
It offers you the chance to meet with senior decision makers and active buyers across the space ecosystem. Please visit the brochure attached to find out more about the event. Exhibitor opportunity – Cost is £1,000 dependent on us getting a minimum of 4 businesses involved. If interested please email Rebecca Huffee [email protected]
Farnborough International Space Show - 19-20 March 2025
Farnborough International Space Show 2025 will see a new look Farnborough Space show and Space West can offer our cluster members the chance to share a stand at a much-reduced price. The event is taking place between 19-20 March 2025 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, and the event connects the global space community across industry, defence, government and academia. It offers you the chance to meet with senior decision makers and active buyers across the space ecosystem.
Please visit the brochure attached to find out more about the event. Exhibitor opportunity – Cost is £1,000 dependent on us getting a minimum of 4 businesses involved. If interested please email Rebecca Huffee [email protected]
40th Space Symposium 7-10 April 2025
Space Symposium is the premier event uniting global space professionals from all sectors, providing a unique platform to explore critical space issues, foster dialogue, and drive innovation across the space industry.
Join the Department for Business and Trade and ADS Group Ltd at the 40th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, USA
Meet the supply chain event
Between April 7th and 10th, selected companies will have an opportunity to meet with supply chain representatives from Lockheed Martin Space, BAE Systems, Inc., and Maxar Technologies for B2B meetings covering a range of capabilities.
To learn more and apply email [email protected]. Deadline 6th February
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 2025 Activity Page
Stay connected and witness our exciting endeavors throughout the year. Explore upcoming events, collaborative initiatives, and engaging projects.
Published date: 31/01/2025