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 - February 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the February 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 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
Space All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)
Space West had the opportunity to promote the region at Westminster this month. We were hosted at the Space APPG event where we heard about the UK government's approach to space, as shared by Sir Chris Bryant MP. His emphasis on a clear focus and strategic direction, acknowledging the importance of investing in what we excel at, resonated with many. The spotlight on the impact of clusters in driving UK investments was gratifying. With UK Space clusters catalysing over £150 Million in investment in the UK it was great to highlight this work to government ministers and MPs.
It was a pleasure to speak to with MPs who were not familiar with the critical role that space plays in our everyday lives and addressing global challenges
A special thank you to UKspace and ADS Group Ltd for orchestrating a super event. A big thank you to Mark Garnier OBE for hosting us and continuing to champion the role of Space in the UK.
CySpace Connected Capability Network Hosts First Working Group
The CySpace Connected Capability Network (CCN) programme hosted the first Working Group workshop at the NCC (National Composites Centre).
The Working Group brings together experts from across government, academia and the private sector across the UK to share expertise about cyber security and space domain awareness. In the workshop, key requirements were identified for improving existing UK infrastructure and these will continue to be built upon.
Ignite Space
The National Space Centre was a a fitting venue host a sold-out Ignite Space earlier this month. A broad cross section of stakeholders from the UK space ecosystem attended offering excellent networking opportunities across the two days.
Lots of Space West members were present and the region was represented in the UKSA Space Ecosystem with a stand featuring the CFMS Collaborative Space Data Centre - COSDAC - funded as part of the Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) portfolio of projects.
The event covered a broad range of topics across side sessions and keynotes. The value of the space clusters was underpinned in a dedicated panel, outlining not just the role they play in the B2B domain but also the potential for making the case for space to the wider public. Another session focused on the game-changing work being led by female entrepreneurs within the space domain and highlighted the significant challenges they have faced such as only 2% of VC funds being awarded to female founded businesses in Europe and the USA.
Space for Clean Energy Transition is a priority focus area for ESA Space Solutions
The global energy sector is going through a fundamental transformation as countries shift towards clean energy in response to climate change and the need to secure energy supplies. The transitions vary in their extent and speed, but the challenges are the same.
ESA’s vision and strategy include the use of space to combat the climate crisis and enable a green future. Digitalisation, satellite connectivity and space applications provide a range of opportunities to enhance energy security and the green energy transition, addressing many of the challenges faced by nations and by the energy sector. We envision space as key to helping provide secure, sustainable, accessible energy for everyone.
Attendees will learn:
- Why Clean Energy is a priority focus area for ESA Space Solutions
- Industrial context for the topics of interest including hearing from speakers from the 5G/6G Hub at ESA, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and domain experts in energy demand and response, and preventing grid conjestion.
- Details on the funding including: how to apply, what makes a good APQ, and related competitive calls
- Details on support available including from the UK BASS Ambassadors, the Catapults, the Space Clusters and more
Securing Critical Infrastructure in the Quantum Era - 17th March, Bristol
From Awareness to Seamless Migration Towards Post-Quantum Cryptography Security
This project, led by the University of Bristol Cyber Security Group aims to address the imminent threat posed by quantum advancements, emphasising the need to stay ahead of potential security breaches.
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) plays a vital role in the stability and security of a nation. Securing these infrastructures against quantum threats is crucial to maintaining these services and ensuring the overall resilience and safety of the country. This project focuses on raising awareness among stakeholders about the quantum threat. By adopting a proactive approach, the project aims to equip organisations and governments with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate potential risks before they materialise. The project's focus on migration strategies to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is motivated by the need for a proactive transition to PQC algorithms. This is essential for ensuring the continued confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information in the face of quantum advancements.
The workshop aims to share and validate the outputs of our project, mainly the 'Stakeholder Decision-Making Workflow to Support Postquantum Migration'. This consists of a framework and a set of instructions to determine the priority of each functional component within a CNI system and to conduct a quantum risk assessment against these components.
Having established this criteria, suitable Post-Quantum algorithms for each component, based on their security, performance and any system restrictions, are considered.
Euro Materials Ageing Experiment
Exciting updates from NCC’s (National Composites Centre) involvement in the Euro Materials Ageing Experiment.
Thanks to European Space Agency and NASA, we’ve received new images of the SESAME module on the International Space Station (ISS) where materials including Bristol Composites Institute specimens are being tested in space. The module was successfully installed on December 17 2024, and will return with SpaceX-33 at the end of 2025 after a year of exposure to the harsh space environment.
This research will help improve our understanding of material degradation in space, supporting the development of more durable composites.
The image shows the SESAME module that includes Bristol Composites Institute specimens before deployment and then the installation process.
NCC is delighted to have supported this work by Bristol Composites Institute funded by UK Space Agency and EPSRC.
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!
Space Talks - 25-27 February 2025
Space West is proud to be supporting Space Talks. Building on the success of previous editions, SPACEtalks returns for its 5th instalment with an exciting new format. This year, the event spans three full days, featuring insightful presentations and discussions on existing markets, future markets, and security.
Event Space Security Roadshow - 4 March 2025
As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for society, the economy, and national security, it is also becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. Innovation continues to expand the capabilities of space systems, making them essential - but also more vulnerable to a range of risks.
Join us to ensure your organisation is equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving space environment and to safeguard the integrity of critical space systems.
Our next event will be taking place in Glasgow on Tuesday 4 March 2025 from 10.00am-4.00pm at National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).
We'll be hosting events nationwide. Stay tuned for workshop dates and locations near you!
Integrated Digital Solutions for The Energy Sector Workshop - 6 March 2025
Workshop to inform and prepare attendees for coming ESA Space Solutions call for proposal Integrated Digital Solutions For The Energy Sector
Event Space Security Roadshow - 11 March 2025
As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for society, the economy, and national security, it is also becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. Innovation continues to expand the capabilities of space systems, making them essential - but also more vulnerable to a range of risks.
Join us to ensure your organisation is equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving space environment and to safeguard the integrity of critical space systems.
Our roadshow is coming to Newcastle on Tuesday 11 March 2025 from 10.00am-4.00pm at The Catalyst.
We'll be hosting events nationwide. Stay tuned for workshop dates and locations near you!
Bath Digital Festival - 13-15 March
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.
Space Comm Expo 11-12 March 2025
Space West is delighted to be supporting the Space-Comm Expo at ExCeL London.
Space-Comm is the UK’s leading event for the space industry with over 200 exhibitors, 120+ speakers and, 5,000 attendees.
Space-Comm Expo is the largest and most influential event for the UK space industry, attracting global leaders from NASA, the European Space Agency, the United Nations and delegates from across government, defence, aerospace and academia.
40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE) - 17-21 March 2025
Farnborough International Space Show 2025 will see a new look Farnborough Space show and Space West can offer our cluster members the chance to share a stand at a much-reduced price. The event is taking place between 19-20 March 2025 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, and the event connects the global space community across industry, defence, government and academia.
It offers you the chance to meet with senior decision makers and active buyers across the space ecosystem. Please visit the brochure attached to find out more about the event. Exhibitor opportunity – Cost is £1,000 dependent on us getting a minimum of 4 businesses involved. If interested please email Rebecca Huffee [email protected]
Farnborough International Space Show - 19-20 March 2025
Farnborough International Space Show 2025 will see a new look Farnborough Space show and Space West can offer our cluster members the chance to share a stand at a much-reduced price. The event is taking place between 19-20 March 2025 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, and the event connects the global space community across industry, defence, government and academia. It offers you the chance to meet with senior decision makers and active buyers across the space ecosystem.
Please visit the brochure attached to find out more about the event. Exhibitor opportunity – Cost is £1,000 dependent on us getting a minimum of 4 businesses involved. If interested please email Rebecca Huffee [email protected]
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
Meet the supply chain event - 7 - 10 April 2025
Between April 7th and 10th, selected companies will have an opportunity to meet with supply chain representatives from Lockheed Martin Space, BAE Systems, Inc., and Maxar Technologies for B2B meetings covering a range of capabilities.
To learn more and apply email [email protected]. Deadline 6th February
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.
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!
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
Space West Activity Page
Stay connected and witness our exciting endeavors throughout the year. Explore upcoming events, collaborative initiatives, and engaging projects.
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.
Published date: 27/02/2025