Space West Newsletter - May 2026
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
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.
OHB to Manufacture Satellites in Bristol
A major milestone for the West of England space sector has been reached, as European space company OHB has committed to establishing satellite manufacturing operations in Bristol.
The company is set to open new offices at Aztec West and plans to recruit up to 100 engineers, signalling a significant investment in the region’s growing space capabilities. Ahead of finalising contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA), OHB undertook a comprehensive visit to assess the area firsthand. This included tours of key facilities such as UWE Bristol and the NCC, as well as engagement with representatives from across the regional and wider UK space sector.
During the visit, OHB also shared plans for developing what will be one of the largest cleanroom facilities in England.
The decision followed a detailed evaluation of the region’s skills base, infrastructure, and collaborative ecosystem. The findings confirmed that the West of England offers the technical expertise, facilities, and partnerships required to support large-scale space programmes.
This commitment represents more than intent—it reflects tangible confidence in the region, demonstrated through investment and a clear hiring strategy.
OHB’s expansion further reinforces the West of England’s position as a leading hub for space innovation, with the capacity to deliver complex programmes at scale. It also highlights the impact of strong regional and national collaboration in securing inward investment and supporting sector growth.
Congratulations are extended to OHB, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), and the many regional and national partners who have contributed to making this achievement possible.
For further information or to explore opportunities within the regional space sector, please contact Space West.
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.
SMILE - CGI: Spotlight On
The West’s space sector has again proved its capacity to deliver on a global scale.
CGI’s Bristol based software team played a key role in the recently launched SMILE mission.
SMILE is a joint mission between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is built to deliver something new: a global, system level view of how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic shield.
Instead of observing isolated events, it connects the full chain — from solar activity through to its impact on near Earth systems.
This evidences the regional capability of the west. This was no minor role.
which can be at the centre of a mission designed to improve how we understand and respond to space weather — a challenge that directly affects satellites, navigation, and communications infrastructure.
Cosmic Catch Up
For many of us, ‘are we alone in the universe’ was our first question about space.
For others it became scientific endeavour.
Our next Cosmic Catch Up will explore the theme of Extra-Terrestrial life.
This theme has gained traction off the back of UAP files being released by the CIA, but what does the reality of looking for signs of life in the vast void of space really look like?
We will be welcoming special guest speakers with real experience on working on these projects.
This is not fantasy. This is real.
If you want to be in the room as we unpick the science behind potentially the ultimate discovery – sign up below.
Visit of the Premier of Sarawak
Semiconductors underpin modern space and defence capabilities—powering everything from satellites and advanced energy systems to critical defence platforms. Their strategic importance continues to grow as global demand accelerates.
This month, the West’s space and semiconductor community welcomed the Premier of Sarawak, alongside senior representatives from the Malaysian government, to the University of Bristol. The visit brought together key regional and national stakeholders, including the University of Bristol, the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, Space West, SMD Semiconductor, UK Government representatives, and industry leaders.
The discussions focused on a central question: how can the South West’s established strengths align with Sarawak’s long-term ambitions in developing its own advanced technology and space capabilities?
The region’s ability to translate cutting-edge research into industrial application was a central theme. As Matt Wills, Cluster Manager at Space West, noted, the South West is particularly well-positioned to build complementary international collaborations—especially in areas such as satellite technologies, data systems, and aerospace innovation. Engagements of this kind play an important role in laying the groundwork for partnerships that contribute to a more globally connected space industry.
The visit also highlighted shared priorities, including secure space-based data systems and strengthening STEM engagement. For the South West, it provided a valuable opportunity to showcase regional expertise and innovation on an international stage, while building relationships with a delegation actively developing its own space ecosystem.
As global demand for advanced semiconductor and space capabilities continues to increase, the UK’s strong foundation offers significant opportunity. However, it is through sustained international collaboration that future growth and long-term success will ultimately be shaped.
The Hazels
Space West is proud to support the inaugural Hazels Gala Awards Ceremony, taking place on 24 June at Cheltenham Town Hall. This landmark event will feature special guest Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, and promises to be a standout moment for the UK space community.
- Explore the programme here.
The UK space sector is expanding rapidly, but a critical challenge remains: skills. No matter how much investment flows into the industry, progress will stall without the right people, equipped with the right expertise, to bring ambitious visions to life.
Currently, the talent pipeline is under significant strain. From entry-level to experienced professionals, there are gaps at every stage:
- Over 700,000 GCSE students are taught without a specialist physics teacher
- Nearly 1 million young people are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
- More than 700,000 graduates are unemployed, with over 400,000 claiming benefits
- Mid-career professionals rarely encounter space sector opportunities due to limited visibility beyond insider channels
At the same time, the sector remains disproportionately homogenous, with individuals from more privileged socio-economic backgrounds over-represented. This highlights clear barriers to entry and reinforces the urgent need for greater inclusion and diversity to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Hazels Gala Awards is designed to be more than a traditional awards evening. It is a bold initiative aimed at reshaping how the UK perceives skills, careers, and opportunities within the space industry. Through a year-round programme of activities, the Hazels will inspire and engage people across the country—culminating in a high-profile gala that celebrates achievement and sparks aspiration.
- Secure your tickets: https://www.thehazels.space/tickets
- Submit nominations: https://www.thehazels.space/submit-nominations
- Explore partner opportunities: https://www.thehazels.space/benefactor
Space West is excited to champion this initiative and support efforts to build a more diverse, skilled, and future-ready space workforce.
For discounts, see below.
- SPACE2026 - This is the 20% off discount code for delegates
- 10% discount on exhibition stands when they book on the DSET Exhibitor page
- 15% discount for first-time exhibitors
Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2025
Full-scale sector understanding is key to defining strategy.
The latest size and health study which measures that of the space sector is still live, and the study's value hinges on the breadth of participation.
Across the space sector, time is not always plentiful. The study has been streamlined significantly to reduce burden on respondents, completing the survey helps provide valuable context to our understanding of the sector’s current state.
Key information about S&H 2025:
- The survey itself is just 7 questions, so the ask to your members is genuinely a light one in comparison to previous years.
- It should take around 10 minutes with all relevant resources to hand.
- Closes on the 26th of June.
For more information, you can visit the know.space resources page here.
You can take the survey below:
SpaceAM awarded Defence Unicorn funding
SpaceAM Autonomous Machines is a strong example of the South West’s growing impact in space enabled innovation.
The Stonehouse based company, previously supported through the Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP), has secured a UK Ministry of Defence contract under the Defence Unicorn fund — a clear signal of confidence in its AI enabled autonomous sensing technology.
That momentum is translating into growth.
Since the award, SpaceAM has expanded its team, opened its first commercial labs, and attracted interest from leading investors.
As a close partner within the cluster, its progress reflects something broader — the strength, ambition, and delivery capability of the region’s space ecosystem.
Congratulations to all involved, you can learn more about SpaceAM below:
Space West visit to SGS Pegasus School
Supporting STEM events is of high importance to Space West.
It was a pleasure to be able to visit SGS Pegasus School, where conversations centred less on what space is, and more on where it can lead.
At the Space West stand, Cluster Manager Matthew Wills spoke with parents about the range of opportunities across the sector — and how different interests can connect to them.
Pegasus supports autistic students, and it was encouraging to see parents naturally connect with the interests of their children. The opportunities space holds are not always obvious, the realisation that a passion for space now holds realistic career prospects brought an air of positivity.
Interests like model‑building, problem‑solving, and creativity already align with the kinds of skills the space sector values.
Evenings like this are a reminder that talent takes many forms, and that pathways into the sector can start in many different places.
Thank you to SGS Pegasus School for the warm welcome, and to the families who took the time to stop and talk.
