Space West - September Newsletter 2024
News from the Cluster
Welcome to the September 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
Defence Space 2024
Becky Huffee, Space West Cluster Manager represented Space West at Defence Space Conference this month. There was a refreshing honesty and realism shared across the two days and reflected an urgency to respond to the rapidly changing geopolitical situation and what needs to change in our defence procurement if we want to innovate for operational advantage.
Becky also had the chance to share some thoughts around the role of academia in innovating at pace to deliver operational advantage in the ‘Space Dragons Den’ Panel session. There are certainly opportunities to strengthen the tie up between fundamental research and the needs of industry, making space research more visible and the funding landscape more coherent to drive technologies up the TRL scale.
The urgency with which we must address the Cybersecurity of our space assets was a strong motif over the two days, and it was a real privilege to brief UK Space Command's Adam M Bone and UK Space Agency's Paul Bate following the announcement of the launch of the Space West led CySpace Cluster Capability Network (CCN). See our next story for more information abut the CySpace Cluster Capability Network
Space West launches the CySpace Defence and Security Cluster Capability Network (CCN)
September saw the launch of the third Satellite Applications Catapult-funded Connected Capability Network (CCN) which aims to unite communities across the UK, enabling them to harness the benefits of satellite data and space technology.
The CySpace CCN, led by Space West Cluster, will advance the reach and impact of satellite data and space technology across the UK, particularly regarding the security of space assets that impact our lives on Earth. The CySpace CCN will collaborate with relevant space and non-space communities to focus on enhancing the UK’s Space Domain Awareness capability by including cybersecurity considerations, leading to a more secure space environment.
Rebecca Huffee, Space West Cluster Manager commented:
“The Space West Cluster is delighted to be working with space and cyber clusters from across the UK to build on the work being done under Space West’s “Secure and Resilient Communications Priority” theme to strengthen the resilience of UK space assets, including through enhancing the resilience of Space Domain Awareness. Cybersecurity poses the biggest threat to our space assets. The CySpace Connected Capability Network is excited to be working with partners, Frazer Nash Consulting, Space South Central, North west Space Cluster, Space North East, Space Wales, Space East and Space Northern Ireland as well as our cyber cluster counterparts to develop new networks and collaborations to create new products and services that will strengthen the security of our infrastructure in space.
"Given the critical nature of Space Domain Awareness capability for our continued access and operation in space, the CySpace network will focus on this capability to drive an understanding of the threat landscape, requirements and gaps to define a roadmap for developing resilient capability through including applications and considerations of Cybersecurity.”
UKSA to support the next generation of UK PhD rocket engineers
The UK Space Agency is funding 10 rocketry PhD placements across the UK, training the next generation of UK rocket engineers. There are a range of projects starting across the UK
A project at the University of Bristol, in partnership with Airborne Engineering, aims to apply Reinforcement Learning (RL) to the active control of rockets for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. Building on the university’s expertise in drone flight control, this research will develop adaptable RL-based control systems for reusable rockets, extending their application to lunar and Martian challenges.
Unlocking Space For Business
The Unlocking Space for Investment (USI) Team is excited to announce the launch of the UKSA Business Pathway of our Unlocking Space for Investment programme that will support UK businesses in the space sector preparing for series A+ institutional investment. This is following a successful pilot programme last year.
USI would like to invite you to take part in an exclusive, fully-funded programme, supporting space sector businesses / businesses looking to move into the space sector. To make the most of this opportunity, apply in just 10 minutes here.
What is the USI Business Pathway Programme?
This programme will help you; craft the right materials to get you pitch ready, develop skills in how to position and pitch your business to an investor, network with investors who are ready to invest in seed-series B businesses and set you up to secure future investment. This includes:
· 4x three hour Virtual Masterclasses providing space-centric materials on topics such as being investor ready, finance and due diligence, market sizing and valuations, Deal execution, preparing for exit and pitch deck development
· 2x four hour In-person workshops offering insight into effectively leading your business through the investment process from sales to investor negotiations, recruiting space talent and pitch preparation
· 1:1 coaching surgeries giving you exclusive access to a broad range of subject matter experts from corporate finance to commercial strategy to answer questions related to your business
· An immersive pitch day giving you the opportunity to present your business to a group of institutional investors who are ready to invest in the space sector
When does it start?
Two cohorts will be running which will last for seven weeks each. You will join either the first or the second cohort.
· The first cohort will commence on 7th October 2024 and,
· The second cohort will commence on 6th January 2025
How to apply
If you are interested in joining this programme and unlocking investment opportunities in the space sector, please use the following link to apply. For more information please visit the Unlocking Space for Investment launch page here. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the USI team at [email protected] if you have any questions or visit their website for more information.
Becky Huffee attends Bristol Junior Chamber Event
Rachel Griffith, Associate at Foot Anstey and Chair of Business, Enterprise and Education at Bristol Junior Chamber hosted a wonderful event supported by Becky Huffee, Space Cluster Manager. The first of BJC’s ‘In Conversation’ event brought together a panel from across the region to discuss the UK’s multi-billion pound space sector. Becky joined Simon Reid (Managing Director D-Orbit UK) Mark Woods (Chief Strategy Officer, CFMS) and John Catchpole (Partner, Foot Anstey) to discuss the growing importance of space and the potential of space technology to drive innovation across industries. From the risks associated with our increasing reliance on space infrastructure to the opportunities in space to address Net Zero, the discussion was fun and wide ranging driven by some fantastic questions from the floor.
Special thanks to the event organisers, Rachel Griffith, Bristol Junior Chamber and Foot Anstey for hosting such a valuable forum.
Development opportunity for Defence and Space sector personnel
A new Executive development opportunity is now available for Defence and Space sector personnel, with your requirements specifically in mind.
The University of Exeter is pleased to be part of the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) (GEMBA) partnership, working alongside the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Carnegie Mellon USA, to deliver an innovative approach to supporting current and future leaders in Global Defence and Space.
Spotlight on InnoForge
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.
InnoForge is a specialist STEM Recruitment Partner supporting start-ups and SMEs globally in scaling high-performing teams, with an outstanding culture at the core. The team have over 20 years of experience across Space and STEM recruitment and a proven track record of supporting organisations in understanding their own recruitment needs providing to end-to end support to organisations. We strive to understand your business and values, seeking candidates who seamlessly align with your culture.
Innoforge are passionate about the future workforce, investing time, energy and resources to young people to drive excitement about STEM career opportunities and helping to build a diverse STEM community. For every interview we facilitate and every placement we make with our customers, we donate a portion of our revenue to help fund STEM related equipment for local primary schools on a quarterly basis and commit 26 days a year to directly engage with students and educational institutions.
Innoforge provide multiple hiring models and prioritise delivering a positive recruitment experience for both clients and candidates, ensuring great return rates and customer satisfaction. Innoforge are working with the Airbus accelerator programme to support the cohort of start-ups and SMEs to recruit the right people to help the businesses grow and achieve their business ambitions.
Research in Focus... Spirent project with the University of Bristol and the University of Cardiff
Explore academic research happening right here in the region. Stay informed about the latest advancements and contributions from our local scientific and engineering community.
Spirent and two leading UK universities deliver first-of-its-kind positioning, navigation and timing data set
Cardiff University and the University of Bristol are global research leaders in the fields of robotics, autonomous navigation, and environmental sensing. At Cardiff University, Dr Ze Ji is a senior lecturer in Robotics and Autonomous Systems in the School of Engineering. He leads the university’s Robotics and Autonomous Intelligent Machines (RAIM) group and manages the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Laboratory, which provides cutting-edge research facilities including a range of robots and drones as well as vision systems and other sensors. At the University of Bristol, postdoctoral research fellow Dr Timothy Pelham is researching spatial intelligence as a new way of securing wireless networks. As part of his research, he has published Lycean EM; a framework for rapid virtual prototyping of antenna arrays and frequency and time domain channel modelling.
Both Dr Ji and Dr Pelham had identified a need for a navigation data set that included high-quality ‘ground truth’ recordings of the real-world global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) signal environment. Dr Ji is developing a localization framework that uses machine learning (ML)to enable autonomous systems to navigate reliably in GNSS or GNSS-denied environments. A data set that combined recordings of the live environment with synchronised readings from a GNSS receiver, cameras and inertial measurement units (IMUs), would be valuable both for lab simulations and for training ML algorithms for autonomous positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). Dr Pelham is working on algorithms for spatial fingerprinting, using a digital twin-based approach to merge the radio and spatial domains for secure positioning in adversarial environments. From his point of view, such a data set could help with developing applications for more secure acquisition of GNSS positions, including in the presence of interference, jammers, or other types of radio frequency (RF) noise.
Both academics had independently searched for a data set to meet their needs, but hadn’t found any that included a recording of the live GNSS environment alongside the other sensor measurements – so it was time to create one.
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!
A new Executive development opportunity is now available for Defence and Space sector personnel, with your requirements specifically in mind.
The University of Exeter is pleased to be part of the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) (GEMBA) partnership, working alongside the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Carnegie Mellon USA, to deliver an innovative approach to supporting current and future leaders in Global Defence and Space.
Run by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) aims to inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad, ensuring the UK expands its competitive, pioneering and world-class defence and security industries. The £16 million programme is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to develop innovative materials, technologies and processes, and to enhance defence supply chains.
This funding call consists of 6 sub-themes, each open at a different point in time. Please see the list of currently open or upcoming funding calls and their further specific details below:
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure: 7 March 2024 – 7 May 2024
- Transportation and Logistics: 26 April 2024 – 26 June 2024
- Energy and Utilities: 23 May - 23 July 2024
- Health and Safety: 17 July - 17 September 2024
- Maritime and Marine: 23 September - 23 November 2024
- Agriculture: Opening October 2024
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.
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.
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.
ESA's ARTES Core Competitiveness programme helps European and Canadian industry to develop innovative satcom products, services, systems and partnerships.
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.
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)
Opportunities for secondments at NCSC advisor roles for Radio Frequency security and Private Critical National Infrastructure secondments.
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
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 Tech Expo Europe is Europe’s largest B2B event for the space industry. At the show, you can expect to see a variety of space technologies used in manufacturing processes.
Rebecca Huffee, Space West Cluster Manager, will there on behalf of Space West.
Join us on the 15th of October 2024 at TWI Cambridge for the official launch of the ESA Technology Broker UK. This event marks a pivotal moment for UK companies looking to expand into the space industry. Co-organised with Space East and NAAME, this launch will bring together key players from across the sector, including representatives from TWI, the UK Space Agency (UKSA), ESA Business Incubation Centres (BICs), and the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Showcasing UK expertise and innovation in using information from space to address urgent climate challenges.
Organised by the British Interplanetary Society, Reinventing Space is a conference and exhibition dedicated to advancing humanity’s future capabilities in space and highlights the trends that will define space enterprise a decade from now. Each year, the conference brings together a network of innovators from industry, agency, government, financiers, academia and end users to present and discuss the key challenges and opportunities for future space leadership and growth.
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]
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!
The role
As a Third Line Support Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You will be key in the undertaking of fault investigations and performing upgrades and enhancements. You will also support an On-call rota for out of hours support.
The role
We are looking for a Propulsion System Engineer to join our team in the UK. You will become part of a growing Spacecraft Propulsion and Thermal group. Within this team, you will contribute to the definition and improvement of the Propulsion System designs of Spacecrafts. The activities will range from the specification definition up to the support to AIV activities and will include the execution of tests and technical interactions with suppliers.
The role
D-Orbit is hiring a systems engineer to join our growing UK systems engineering team. As an integral part of the group, you will be involved in both the customization of already flight-qualified platforms, such as the ION Satellite Carrier Vehicle, and the design of new advanced missions. Your ultimate objective as a systems engineer is to ensure your systems, the spacecraft, will fly safely to orbit, deliver the services required by mission objectives and eventually successfully accomplish its disposal.
The role
D-Orbit is hiring a system engineer to join our growing system engineering team. As an integral part of the group, you will be involved in both the customization of already flight-qualified platforms, such as the ION Satellite Carrier Vehicle, and the design of new advanced missions. Your ultimate objective as a system engineer is to ensure your system, the spacecraft, will fly safely to orbit, deliver the services required by mission objectives and eventually successfully accomplish its disposal.
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.
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. If you are interested, please email [email protected] before the end of June 2024
Space West 2024 Activity Page
Stay connected and witness our exciting endeavors throughout the year. Explore upcoming events, collaborative initiatives, and engaging projects.
