Space West Newsletter - January 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the January 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
The Space West programme is hosted by NCC and is funded by the UK Space Agency. It is supported by founding partners including the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the Centre for Modelling and Simulation, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Reinforced by strong endorsement from industry champions, the Space Cluster has provided the momentum for the development of an ambitious and timely regional space strategy.
Cosmic Catch Up
The Cosmic Catch-Up series returns in February with two information morning events focused on discussion, insight and networking.
- Location: NCC, Bristol
- Time: 08:30 –10:30
Friday 6 February – Earth Observation
This session will explore how Earth Observation data is being translated into practical applications, examining the current state of the sector, key drivers and future opportunities.
Guest speakers
- Professor Alin Anchim, University of Bristol
- Fennar Ralston, FJR Research
Please Register here.
Friday 27 February – Defence and Space
This event will explore how the defence sector can adapt to opportunities in the space sector, with a focus dual-use technologies and the current political landscape
Guest speakers to be confirmed.
Please Register here.
Learn more about the event series by selecting 'More' below.
Space Security Roadshow
The Space Security Roadshow continues in 2026 with two in person events in Manchester and London, bringing together organisations across the UK space and security sectors.
Manchester - Thursday 26 February
The roadshow will be delivered in partnership with Space Northwest as part of their Constellation event, which connects innovators, businesses and researchers shaping the UK space sector.
- Location: Core Technology Facility, 46 Grafton St, Manchester, M13 9WU
- Time: 09:30 - 16:00
- The Space Security Roadshow begins at 09:30, followed by a networking lunch at 12:30. Constellation begins at 13:00.
Please register here.
The UK Space Agency Accelerator’s Trajectory event will take place at the same venue on Wednesday 25th February from 10:30 to 17:30. You can sign up for their event here.
London - Wednesday 25 March
This event will be delivered in partnership with Space South Central, as part of their ‘Extraordinary Orbit’ series designed to connect key players across the UK space ecosystem and highlight regional capabilities
- Location: UCL IDEALondon, 69 Wilson St, London EC2A 2BB
- Time: 13:00 – 16:00
The roadshow will take place in the afternoon following a networking lunch provided for attendees.
Please register here for the Space Security Roadshow.
Learn more about the Space Security Roadshow series by selecting 'More' below.
Space South Central
On Wednesday 25t March 2026, Space South Central is hosting a monthly networking event, Orbit South Central at the IDEALondon at UCL.
This is an Extraordinary Orbit focused on the theme of Space Defence, Security and Resilience. Following the event will be a Space Security Road Show at the IDEALondon
Register for Space South Central's Extra Ordinary Orbit event here.
Demystifying the Space Funding Landscape
In partnership with KI Bid Consulting, Space West are delivering a full day workshop to help organisations better understand the funding landscape in the UK.
Date: Tuesday, 3rd February
Time: 09:15 – 15:00
Location: NCC, Bristol
This workshop will cover funding from the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, Ministry of Defence, UKRI, other institutional funding, international programmes and Venture Capital funding, supported by guest speakers and practical guidance.
Please register by selecting 'More' below.
Cluster Manager Update
Space West’s Cluster Manager, Rebecca Huffee, will be stepping back from her role as she takes on a new challenge. We thank Becky for her significant contribution to the growth of Space West and wish her every success. Becky will be missed but will remain involved as a member of the Space West steering board.
Matt Wills has been appointed as the new Cluster Manager for Space West, based at the NCC. Matt brings over a decade of experience across defence and aerospace, spanning civil service, industry and startups. He is a Chartered Engineer, with a strong focus on future concepts, strategy, and emerging space technologies.
Space West is very excited about this new chapter. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Space Comm Expo London
Space West will be at Space Comm London from 4-5 March as part of a regional pavilion representing the West of England. We’ll be sharing the pavilion with:
- Apache IX
- Hoonhilly
- ICOMAT
- NCC
- ReOrbit
- Synoptix
If you’d like to arrange meeting with Space West, please contact Cluster Manager, Matt Wills by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].
ESA Funding Support
The UK Space Agency’s ESA Proposal Advice Service (PAS) offers free, confidential, non-technical support to help strengthen funding proposals ahead of submission.
The service provides feedback on proposal structure, clarity and compliance. Organisations must complete a short eligibility form to access support.
Current and rolling calls are available across Navigation, Space Applications and other thematic areas.
- Navigation: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/space-pnt
- Space Applications: https://business.esa.int/funding/open-call-for-proposals-proof-concept-studies-and-pilot-projects
- Funding calls are available at: https://business.esa.int/funding
