Welcome
Welcome to the October 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.
TECHNIA and Synoptix use Model-Based Systems Engineering to bridge requirements and simulation
TECHNIA and Synoptix have successfully demonstrated how Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) can be integrated with engineering simulation to create a seamless digital thread from requirements through to verification. Using a proof-of-concept based on a Thistle Rocketry propellant pump use case, the project connected Cameo Systems Modeler and Dymola to directly link system requirements with simulation outputs.
The collaboration addressed a common engineering challenge: disconnected workflows between systems modelling, simulation and verification. By automating the flow of information between tools, the solution improved traceability, reduced manual data transfer and enabled requirements to be verified against simulation evidence much earlier in the development process.
The proof-of-concept demonstrated several benefits, including end-to-end traceability, automated verification, stronger collaboration between engineering disciplines and more informed decision-making based on objective performance data. Engineers gained earlier insight into system performance, helping reduce programme risk and increase confidence in design choices.
Building on the success of the project, TECHNIA and Synoptix are exploring opportunities to expand the approach with Thistle Rocketry and other organisations. The initiative highlights how combining MBSE and simulation can accelerate digital engineering, improve verification activities and support the delivery of more efficient, evidence-based engineering programmes.
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.
Spotlight On:
Binary Syntax: Blending data fusion, innovation and human optimised interactivity
Organisations have years of data spread across separate systems, simulations and sensors. Most of it is never used to its full potential. Binary Syntax changes that.
We are a UK technology company specialising in digital twins, data fusion and immersive visualisation. Our core platform combines a scalable digital twin framework with a powerful 3D visualisation engine. Together they let you see, understand and predict how your systems behave, whether that means a single component, factory floor or a global-scale world model.
What we offer
• Digital Twin: A modular, horizontally scalable framework that creates a virtual mirror of your real-world system and grows with it over time.
• Data Fusion: We connect your existing datasets, simulations and hardware to a single shared digital thread, giving you one source of truth.
• Visualisation: Immersive, real-time shared 3D environments, including VR and AR, so teams can explore and collaborate inside their data.
• Consultancy: Expert guidance to help you plan, integrate and get lasting value from your data investments.
Why Binary Syntax
• You keep control of your data. Our bridge-based approach integrates what you already have, without locking you in.
• Local AI analysis turns raw data into insight and future prediction, securely and close to the source.
• Built to scale across distributed devices with low processing demands.
• Designed for demanding environments, with capabilities designed for civil and defence command and control, logistics tracking, scenario training and rapid response planning across land, sea, air and space.
From design and simulation through to live operations, Binary Syntax helps you make faster, safer and better-informed decisions.
Binary Syntax: connect your data, see your world, predict what’s next.
Space Tech Expo
This year’s Space Tech Expo is approaching lift off…
Space West are flying across with Cornwall Space Cluster as we fly the flag of the South West Space Partnership. Combined, the two regions are hosts to end-to-end space capabilities. Design, development, launch, in-flight tracking and comms, and data analysis are all possible within our region’s thriving space sectors.
Joining us, we have: APACHEiX, BMT, NCC, Withers and Rogers, Goonhilly, Flann Microwaves, Heathcoat Fabrics, and Spaceport Cornwall. These companies perfectly capture this full range of capability, and we are excited to display this to a global audience.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Gloucestershire Tech Week
Gloucestershire Tech Week took place from October 12th to the 16th, bringing together businesses, innovators, researchers, investors and public sector leaders for five days of discussion, collaboration and insight into the technologies shaping the UK’s future.
Organised by CyNam and sponsored by Space AM, the annual festival explored themes including resilience, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, national security and digital innovation. The week's "Mission Driven" programme highlighted Gloucestershire's strengths in cyber, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Sessions focused on building resilient organisations, accelerating innovation, supporting founders and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of technological development.
As Gloucestershire continues to strengthen its reputation as a nationally significant technology cluster, Gloucestershire Tech Week provided a valuable platform to showcase local expertise, foster new partnerships and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Plaque unveiled at M Shed honouring Bristol’s pioneering space spirit
A commemorative plaque has been unveiled at M Shed to celebrate Bristol's contribution to one of the UK's most significant space exploration achievements: the Beagle 2 Mars mission.
Led by Bristol-born space scientist Professor Colin Pillinger, Beagle 2 became the first British and European spacecraft to successfully land on Mars when it touched down on Christmas Day 2003. Although communication with the lander was lost, later NASA imagery confirmed it had reached the Martian surface safely.
The plaque was unveiled during World Space Week by Shusanah Pillinger and former UK Space Agency Chief Scientist Chris Lee, recognising not only Professor Pillinger's vision but also the contribution of Bristol's engineering and space community.
The plaque serves as a reminder that the West of England’s space sector is steeped in heritage. Recent growth has launched from a base of space expertise that has existed in the region for decades – our region is a key part of UK space capability.
Space West Connects: Bristol & Bath Science Park
On Thursday the 22nd, Space West opened its doors to the Bristol and Bath Science Park for a working lunch to introduce the space capability that is on their doorstep.
There were talks from NCC, OHB, and CFMS, as well as in introduction to Space West for those in attendance. The lunch gave insight into the incredible work being done within the space sector by companies not only within their region, but within their postcode.
The Bristol and Bath Science Park is home to some of the West’s most innovative companies; some establish and others just starting out. It was a pleasure to engage with their staff and help raise awareness of the opportunities that the space sector could have to offer for them, and that help is not too far away.
We would like to thank all of those who came, and also those who took the time to deliver a talk – Space West has an amazing community that we are grateful to be able to depend upon.
Keep an eye out for future Space West connects events, as we approach 2027 expect more announcements as we look to connect the key components of our space ecosystem.
Royal Aeronautical Society Young Persons Network: Engineering Across Industries – How Transferable Skills Shape Careers
An exciting event from the Royal Aeronautical Society Young Persons Network is coming to Bristol this November.
On Wednesday the 11th, at the Bill Brown Design Suite (Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1TH), there will be a panel discussion exploring career pathways across sectors and roles, focusing on aerospace and transferable skills for adaptable careers.
The event kicks off in the evening at 6pm, running until 7:30pm. There will be a moderated panel discussion, a Q&A, and a chance to network over some refreshments.
The event is open to all, with a particular focus on university students, graduates and early-career STEM professionals.
Funding & Opportunities Round-up
A range of new funding and support opportunities are now available for organisations across the space sector, spanning international collaboration, innovation, education and business growth.
UK Space Agency and Space Florida Innovation Partnership
UK organisations can access funding through the latest UK Space Agency and Space Florida collaboration programme, designed to strengthen transatlantic partnerships and support the development of innovative space technologies and commercial opportunities in both markets.
The UK Space Agency, in partnership with ESA through ESERO-UK, has launched new opportunities to support space education and engagement activities. The programme aims to inspire young people, strengthen STEM participation and help develop the future talent pipeline for the UK space sector.
High-potential space SMEs are encouraged to explore the Growth Pathway programme, which provides tailored business support, mentoring and strategic guidance to help companies scale, access new markets and attract investment.
Together, these opportunities highlight the breadth of support currently available across the UK space ecosystem, from skills and education initiatives through to international collaboration, commercialisation and business growth. Organisations interested in expanding their capabilities, developing partnerships or securing investment should review the latest calls and application deadlines.