Space West Newsletter - June 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the June 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.
DSET
Space West is rounding off the month of June with a trip to Cheltenham Racecourse to take part in DSET 2026.
2026 was a major milestone as the conference expanded into the space domain, a clear signal of the significant role the space sector now plays. The themes of UK space capability, defence integration, and national resilience are being explored.
On the final day of the event, Matthew Wills, Space West Cluster Manager, participated in the Industrial Showcase Panel discussing technology exploitation and dual use.
Space is becoming increasingly available to industry and government, meaning a host of solutions that were once in the realms of sci-fi are now tangible and feasible.
It has been a pleasure to engage with a wide range of stakeholders across industry, government, and the general public and explain why they should be excited about space.
To find out more about DSET and why it should be on your radar over the coming years, select 'More' below.
Farnborough International Airshow
If you missed us at DSET, there is no need to worry. Our next stop is right around the corner as we make the trip to Farnborough International Airshow (FIA).
Whilse trade and business are of great importance, FIA also presents leisure opportunities for the public. Live flying displays, exhibitions, and STEM presentations are on offer that make for a great day out for all the family.
Once viewed as the domain of Defence and Aerospace, the space sector is now firmly establishing itself as a key feature of FIA.
Adjacent technologies and dual-use applications have drawn more attention to the space sector as people want to know – what can space do for them?
If this question burns in your mind, may it be a necessity or a curiosity, get in touch with [email protected] or [email protected]. Space West will be in attendance at FIA from Tuesday 21st July until Thursday 23rdJuly.
For more information about FIA, select 'More' below.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Particle Measuring Systems (PMS)
For over 45 years, PMS has been helping manufacturers monitor and control contamination in critical environments. Their heritage in aerospace dates back to the Pioneer Venus Project in 1978, which carried a PMS particle counter on board, and today they continue to support advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, defence, semiconductors and space.
PMS provides contamination monitoring solutions for cleanrooms and controlled environments used in satellite, spacecraft, optics, and advanced engineering manufacturing. Their portfolio includes portable and fixed particle counters, environmental monitoring systems, compressed gas monitoring solutions and chemical monitoring systems.
By providing real-time particle monitoring and contamination control expertise, PMS helps organisations maintain cleanroom performance, investigate contamination issues, support facility qualification, and protect product quality throughout manufacturing.
PMS currently works with a number of aerospace and high-technology manufacturers across the UK and would be pleased to discuss any cleanroom monitoring, contamination control or environmental monitoring challenges with members of the Space West community.
For more information, the PMS brochure can be found below by selecting 'More.'
Cosmic Catch-Up: Extra-Terrestrial Life
Our Cosmic Catch-Up is arriving slightly later than usual this month, as we explore the theme of Extra-Terrestrial life in our session on Friday, 3rdJuly.
Speaking on the day, we have:
- Hannah Wakeford: Exoplanets in habitable zones
- Rita Carvalho-Serra: Habitable environments on Mars
- Emma Puranen: Ethics of Astrobiology
We will be at the NCC, Bristol (Bristol and Bath Science Park Feynman Way Central, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FS), starting at 08:30-10:30.
Our monthly networking event is always an enjoyable morning. Tea, coffee, and pastries are plentiful and there is always great company.
They are a fantastic place to meet fellow professionals within the space sector and learn something new.
Sign up by selecting 'More' below.
Scaling up with KPMG
Scaling up is often where the real work starts.
On Monday, Space West were kindly welcomed for a workshop delivered by KPMG. This session examined some of the key practical steps involved with scaling up within the space sector.
This was held at KPMG’s offices in Bristol. The content was precise and the advice was tangible; there was a clear benefit to what was analysed throughout the presentation.
The key themes that were explored included, understanding your value, accessing dual-use markets, international trade and tax considerations, and the human aspect of scaling up.
Space West would like to say a big thank you to KPMG and to all those involved in the session.
It is always meaningful to be able to engage with our space community, and we hope that those who attended left with an improved perspective on the challenges associated with growing a business.
More workshops are in the pipeline, keep an eye for any announcements by joining our mailing list by selecting 'More' below.
techSPARK: Brazen
Brazen is the new evolution of Bristol’s long-running tech festival, relaunched by techSPARK as a city-wide celebration of technology, creativity, and culture. Taking place 9–13 November 2026, it transforms Bristol into a multi-venue festival rather than a single conference.
The event brings together founders, developers, creatives, investors, and communities, encouraging collaboration across industries that don’t usually mix.
There are exciting opportunities for the space sector here. The chance to present and engage with space adjacent technologies, and display the areas in which people often do not realise space plays a role.
The programme involves talks, workshops, demonstrations, and immersive experiences.
If you would like to be involved with the event, delivering a talk, being part of a panel, or putting together a workshop – please see more via the button below.
Personal Liaison Network (PLN)
The Professional Liaison Network (PLN) connect students and academics from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences with professionals and organisations around the world.
Student projects are set by organisations and are undertaken as part of a degree. A wide range of programmes means it is highly likely that you can be connected with students who will be able to support you.
The PLN will help develop your idea, as the students help delve into the detail and present their findings and recommendations to you.
A range of themes are available, particularly around business management, operations, and strategy.
If you are keen to work more closely with tomorrow’s leaders, 80‑hour placements are offered to Business School students. Placements are designed to be flexible and include hybrid opportunities.
If you do not have time to commit to a full project, there is also the option to be a mentor.
Learn more via the button below.