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 - March 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the March 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
Showcasing the Southwest at Farnborough International Space Show
Space West had the fantastic opportunity to proudly showcase the region at Farnborough’s International Space Show (19-20 March last week, sharing an exhibition stand with iCOMAT, RiskAware, Synoptix, and the National Composites Centre. The event was a great success, providing a platform to connect with key industry leaders, potential collaborators, and innovators shaping the future of the UK space sector.
As exhibitors, we engaged in insightful discussions on the latest advancements in space technology, explored new commercial opportunities, and highlighted the strengths of the South West’s growing space ecosystem. The show reinforced the importance of regional collaboration, and we were thrilled to see such enthusiasm for the cutting-edge research, development, and manufacturing capabilities emerging from our cluster, as well as connecting with other space clusters from across the UK.
We welcomed Lord David Willetts, John Cooper MP, George Freeman MP and Kevin Bonavia MP to our stand for great discussions on the role of space clusters in driving UK business growth.
A huge thank you to everyone who visited our stand – we look forward to building on these new connections and driving further opportunities for the region.
Strengthening Europe's space sector - OHB expands into UK with a new company in Bristol
Space West is delighted to welcome OHB SE's decision to establish a new subsidiary in the UK. As one of Europe’s leading space technology groups this expansion is a major boost for the South West and strengthens the UK’s growing space sector.
Secured through collaboration with Invest Bristol & Bath, working alongside Space West, the UK Space Agency, and the Department for Business and Trade, this investment reinforces the UK’s position as a key player in shaping the future of space technology.
Announced on 19 March by Minister Sarah Jones at Farnborough International Space Show, this investment marks a significant step forward for the region‘s space industry.
The arrival of such a prestigious space prime will have a profound impact on both the regional and national space ecosystem. Space West is proud to have supported this investment and looks forward to working alongside OHB SE as they deliver on their UK ambitions.
Pictured left to right: Rebecca Huffee, Joshua Broom, Minister Sarah Jones, Markus Moeller, Timo Stuffler, Kim Lake.
Space-Comm Expo - over 5,400 delegates, 190 exhibitors and 200 speakers from across the global space industry
ExCeL London hosted a bustling and highly successful Space-Comm Expo last week (11-12 March, 2025), bringing together key players from across the global space industry. With a packed exhibition floor, insightful panel discussions, and high-level networking opportunities, the event reaffirmed its position as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation in the UK space sector.
Space West was well represented, with members actively engaging in discussions on the latest advancements in space technology and commercial opportunities. The UK space ecosystem was showcased through a dynamic exhibition presence, highlighting groundbreaking projects and the importance of regional clusters in driving sector growth. A dedicated session explored the evolving role of space in national security, while another addressed the increasing demand for sustainability in satellite technology.
The event underscored the strength of the UK’s space industry and the collaborative efforts needed to maintain its momentum.
UK Space Security Roadshows launches in Newcastle and Glasgow
The Space West team hosted two more successful events in Glasgow and Newcastle as part of our Space Security Roadshow series.
The domain of space is becoming increasingly congested, contested and competed, as space actors seek to reap the benefits space systems can provide. This series of workshops aimed to raise awareness of the risks of operating in the space ecosystem, developing a better security mindset amongst space organisations in order to protect their business and the integrity of space infrastructure.
The events created the opportunity to connect government and industry stakeholders, mutually strengthening space actors against the range of risks. They also facilitated connections between security solution providers and space system operators, and provided engaging, interactive sessions to explore and develop understanding.
Thank you NMIS for hosting us in Glasgow, and Catalyst for hosting us in Newcastle, and to all of the speakers and attendees for making the events such a success.
CySpace Connected Capability Network (CCN) Programme Hosts Working Group Workshop
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.
The Working Group brought together experts from government, academia, and the private sector across the UK to share knowledge and expertise on cyber security and space domain awareness.
During the workshop, key requirements were identified to enhance the UK's existing infrastructure, laying the foundation for the next phase of the project: the CySpace CCN – UK Cyber and Space Domain Awareness Capability Mapping Workshops.
We extend our gratitude to all attendees for their time, expertise, and valuable insights. Their contributions will be instrumental in shaping the future of the UK's cyber resilience in space, strengthening national security, and ensuring a more robust and secure infrastructure. The outputs from the working group will be a cyber-requirements for SDA catalogue that will be published through this website and will underpin the next phase of work mapping UK capability against these requirements. Learn more and sign up under our next news story.
We look forward to continuing these vital discussions and fostering further collaboration in the next chapter of the project.
Expression of Interest Now Open – CySpace CCN: UK Cyber and Space Domain Awareness Capability Mapping Workshops
The CySpace Connected Capability Network (CCN), led by Space West and delivered with partners across the UK, is mapping national capabilities in space domain awareness (SDA) and cyber security to address critical vulnerabilities. We’re bringing together industry, academia and government to strengthen resilience of UK Space Infrastructure.
From May to September 2025, we’re hosting regional workshops across the UK to identify key space domain awareness and cyber capabilities and mapping them to the national Requirements Catalogue.
Each workshop will be a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, contribute insights, and help shape the future of secure space operations.
Workshops will be held in the North East, North West, Central South, South West, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Interested in joining? Register your interest via the button below and be part of the conversation.
Record-Breaking ESA Contracts
The UK space sector has secured record-breaking contracts worth £844 million, contributing significantly to economic growth. Recent achievements include winning £80 million more than the UK's contributions to the European Space Agency, marking the most successful quarter on record. This success is creating 3,800 skilled jobs and promises over £1 billion in benefits for the UK economy. The government is also investing in space technologies, further positioning the UK as a leader in global space innovation. This progress supports the government's mission to boost economic growth and technological leadership
Space Symposium in Colorado and Bremen and UKSA
Rebecca Huffee, Space West Cluster Manager will represent our vibrant space community at the 40th Space Symposium, scheduled for April 7-10, 2025, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.
This event brings together global space professionals from all sectors, providing a unique platform to explore critical space issues, foster dialogue, and drive innovation across the industry.
Rebecca's participation underscores Space West's commitment to engaging with international partners and showcasing the South West's growing capabilities in the space sector. The symposium will feature over 300 exhibitors, offering unprecedented networking and collaboration opportunities.
We look forward to the insights and connections Rebecca will bring back, further strengthening our region's position in the global space community.
Spotlight on...
At WireNexus, we provide innovative cable harness design services that are accurate, reliable, and cost-effective. We specialise in designing custom cable harnesses for a range of industries, including defence, space, automotive, and more. In addition to our cable harness design services, we also offer cable harness manufacturing services and electrical consultancy services, ensuring that we can provide a complete end-to-end solution to our clients.
WireNexus is currently supporting the UK space sector with the aim of accurately capturing cable harness designs and modernising the design methods being used.
WireNexus can provide dedicated resources to projects for the design of cable harnesses within customer system. We work with customers to streamline systems to reduce complexity, working in partnership with customer engineers.
WireNexus works with space customers to modernise design process building capacity within customer teams to deliver improved cable harness designs in the future. This is being achieved with the adoption of Zuken E3, WireNexus has a wealth of experience in the Zuken E3 packages and has provided a project structure that provides an easy overall view of their system whilst also capturing all the detail needed to populate wiring outputs. We work with customers to adopt products that are interoperable with the design workflow enabling quick identification of any design issues and pull through of any design changes.
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!
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.
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
University of Bath -EUREKA Physics for Security - 7 July 2025
International conference, aiming to bring together academia, industry and other stake holders, such as fund-managers, scientific editors, and policy makers.
UK Space Conference - July 16-17 2025
Space For Growth
Popular awareness of the direct impact that the space sector has on our daily lives is increasing and the UK Space Conference agenda for 2025 will reflect this. In July innovators and experts from a surprising range of sectors are convening because they understand the role that space plays in the next wave of human technological innovation. Join us to understand why working and investing in the UK Space Sector is critical for the next decade of renewal and economic growth.
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.
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!
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: 27/03/2025