Dear Reader,
This month has been packed with incredible developments across the Space South Central region, fresh off the back of our trip to the Space Tech Expo in Bremen!
First up, leading Greek semiconductor innovator Circuits Integrated has officially expanded into the region, selecting Surrey Research Park as its base to strengthen ties with the UK’s rapidly accelerating semiconductor and space manufacturing sectors.
Space South Central companies Lodestar and Lunasa have both secured ÂŁ30k in funding from the UK Space Agency to advance AI-driven satellite awareness technology and develop a pioneering Cosmic Lab platform.
We also unpacked the latest House of Lords report, The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out—a powerful call to action urging the nation to safeguard the future of the UK’s space sector. If you care about Britain’s place in the global space race, this report is essential reading.
On the connectivity front, Sateliot, alongside Space South Central company CCww and Lekha, has completed successful interoperability testing of their NTN NB-IoT technology, marking a major step forward in global satellite-powered IoT.
Another regional standout, Blue Skies Space, is gearing up to launch the Mauve satellite, pioneering a fresh model for delivering high-value space science data to researchers worldwide.
The Space4Nature initiative from the University of Surrey shone on the global stage at COP30, highlighted as a powerful example of how advanced technology can help protect biodiversity.
And rounding out an inspiring month, researchers from the University of Portsmouth and University of Southampton are celebrating a new era of cosmic discovery as a revolutionary new telescope delivers its first glimpses into the universe.
For all the latest updates on our work and the Space South Central cluster, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Ebony Desposito
Digital Marketing Officer
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Circuits Integrated expands to the UK to develop next-generation satellite chipsets
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Greek semiconductor design company Circuits Integrated has joined Space South Central, one of the UK’s largest regional space clusters, to strengthen its ties with the UK’s growing semiconductor and space manufacturing sectors.
The company, which specialises in advanced integrated circuit (IC), antenna-in-package (AiP) and system-in-package (SiP) design, will establish its first UK presence at Surrey Research Park, expanding its R&D operations to support development of next-generation chip technology for space and defence communications.
Circuits Integrated’s UK expansion centres on KythrionTM, its flagship chipset platform which reduces antenna size, weight, power, and cost by more than 60 per cent compared with conventional designs.
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Lodestar Space secures SECP funding to advance AI-driven satellite awareness technology
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Lodestar Space has received funding through the UK Space Agency’s Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP), supported by Space South Central, to accelerate development of its pioneering on-orbit sensing system.
The £30,000 SECP rapid R&D grant will fund the integration and testing of a new LiDAR sensor within the existing on-orbit sensing suite of Mithril, Lodestar’s main product.
Mithril is the first fully autonomous, AI-powered on-orbit payload designed to detect, classify, and respond to other spacecraft in orbit. By integrating LiDAR with machine vision, and onboard AI, it can enable satellites to assess threats, support docking and servicing operations, and act without human intervention
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LĂşnasa Space secures SECP funding to advance its pioneering Cosmic Labs platform
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Lúnasa Space has also received funding through the UK Space Agency’s Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP), to accelerate development of its pioneering Cosmic Labs orbital platform.
The ÂŁ30,000 grant will help LĂşnasa further develop its Cosmic Labs platform towards the target launch of the first demonstration mission by the end of 2026. The mission will carry UK-developed payloads, enabling home-grown companies to test and validate their technologies in orbit, helping them take a vital step toward commercialisation.
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Mission Critical: Space South Central at the Heart of Britain’s Space Future
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The House of Lords’ latest report, The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out, is a wake-up call for the UK space sector—and for Space South Central, the message is clear: the time to act is now.
Our region has been at the heart of UK space for over 70 years, from pioneering satellite missions to cutting-edge research. Organisations such as SSTL, Airbus Defence and Space, and Earth-i; essential organisations including the National Physical Laboratory and Royal Aeronautical Society, alongside world-class universities including Southampton, Surrey, and UCL, are featured in the report as key drivers of innovation and growth.
This recognition underscores the strength of our ecosystem, but also the urgency to accelerate investment and collaboration to keep pace with global competitors.
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Sateliot, CCww, and Lekha Announce the Successful Completion of Interoperability Testing of their NTN NB-IoT Technology
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Sateliot, the first company to operate a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) 5G-Advanced Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) IoT satellite constellation acting as a seamless roaming extension of cellular networks, proudly announces the results of its partnership with Communications Consultants Worldwide Limited (CCww), a leading wireless protocol stack developer for over twenty five years, and Lekha Wireless Solutions (Lekha), OEM of 4G and 5G Wireless Infrastructure and UE solutions.
The three teams have successfully integrated the CCww/Lekha UE technology with Sateliot’s NTN IoT test system, and achieved initial registration with the Sateliot network using regenerative mode of operation and successful uplink and downlink data transfers.
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Spaceflux Awarded Multimillion-pound UK Government Contracts to Deliver Sovereign Space Surveillance and Tracking
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Spaceflux Ltd, a UK-based leader in space domain awareness (SDA) and space intelligence, has won all three major multimillion-pound, multiyear UK government contracts to provide advanced space surveillance and tracking (SST) data across multiple orbital regimes.
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) and the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) contracts, awarded under the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) framework, secure Spaceflux’s central role in delivering the UK’s orbital intelligence capability.
Two of these awards continue the operational SST programmes previously delivered for both the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command, reinforcing the company’s position as the UK’s incumbent provider of sovereign optical surveillance data.
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Blue Skies Space to launch Mauve satellite, demonstrating a new model for delivering space science data
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Blue Skies Space, a London-based company, is gearing up to launch its first science satellite, Mauve, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-15 in November 2025.
This innovative small satellite will observe stars in the near-ultraviolet and visible spectrum, providing valuable new insights into stellar activity and its impact on surrounding planetary systems.
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UK backs next-generation satellite communications with ÂŁ6.9 million investment
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The UK Space Agency is investing £6.9 million in satellite technology that will transform connectivity and secure Britain’s place as a European space leader
Vicinity Technologies, a Space South Central company, will receive ÂŁ1.19 million for its 5G NTN-based Satellite Access Networks project. The team will design and develop a versatile 5G Non-Terrestrial Network regenerative payload system and user terminals, including the entire software stack for both space and ground segments. This technology will support uninterrupted and scalable internet services globally, from hard-to-reach areas to smart cities.
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Orbit Fab wins ESA funding to lead “ASTRAL” –a European landmark in-orbit refuelling mission
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Orbit Fab has been awarded up to $3.8 million through the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency’s (ESA) Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications to lead a European consortium advancing next-generation satellite refuelling technology.
The ASTRAL consortium unites leading European innovators – Orbit Fab, Farnborough-based KISPE Space Systems, Gate Space Innovation GmbH, Blackswan Space, and Indra Deimos – from the UK, Austria, Lithuania and beyond. Together, they will deliver Europe’s first in-orbit refuelling experiment using Xenon, advancing the design, integration and validation of critical hardware needed to sustain and protect satellites in Space. As Earth’s orbit become increasingly congested and contested, ASTRAL will help strengthen Europe’s strategic resilience, enabling spacecraft to manoeuvre, extend mission life, and maintain operational advantage for the continent across commercial and governmental domains.
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Surrey’s Space4Nature project showcased at COP30 as a model for tech-powered biodiversity action
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Surrey’s Space4Nature project, which uses satellite data and community science to protect biodiversity across the county, was showcased by the UK Government at the COP30 UK Pavilion in Belém, Brazil (10–21 November 2025). The display forms part of the UK’s official presentation of research and innovation tackling global climate and nature challenges.
Co-led by the University of Surrey’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES) in collaboration with the Surrey Wildlife Trust, Buglife, and the Painshill Park Trust, Space4Nature brings together scientists, local communities and conservation groups to map and monitor key habitats across Surrey – from chalk grasslands to heathlands and acid grasslands that support some of the nation’s rarest species.
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University scientists in epic space race with new telescope
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Scientists are celebrating a new era of cosmic discovery after their revolutionary new telescope captured its first data from the universe.
The 4MOST telescope will explore the formation and evolution of stars and planets alongside galaxies and blackholes at a rate not seen before.
Astronomers from the universities of Southampton and Portsmouth are part of the project team, which includes more than 700 scientists worldwide.
The 4MOST super-scope, known as the four-metre Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope , operates from the European Southern Observatory in Chile. It can measure the light of nearly 2,500 celestial objects at a time, helping astronomers study their chemical composition and properties.
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Fit4Space offers companies a unique insight into how to de-mystify some of the intricacies of the Space sector. The programme is based on over 55 years of combined experience and understanding of the sector.
Fit4Space is for SMEs new to the space sector as well as existing members of the Space supply chain who want to expand their awareness of relevant space based subjects beyond the confines of the UK sector.
This form will help us understand the current landscape and identify the areas you would like to explore.
Topics which have already been covered in previous sessions can be found on the Airbus CUSP (Community for Space Prosperity) Space Enterprise Site and are listed below:
- The Space Environment
- The effects of radiation on space equipment
- Space Mission Concepts
- What to consider commercially when entering the space industry
- Export Control
- Top 10 challenges in developing industrial maturity
- Product Regulatory Compliance
Fill in the survey below to have your say!
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ESA Proposal Advice Service
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The ESA Proposal Advice Service (ESA PAS) is a UK Space Agency-funded pilot programme designed to help UK-based organisations improve the quality of their proposals submitted to the European Space Agency (ESA). The service provides free, non-technical advice to organisations who are preparing ESA bids and want to strengthen their applications before submission.
ESA PAS focuses on improving the clarity, structure, and strategic alignment of proposals by identifying common errors and areas for improvement. The aim is to increase the competitiveness of UK bids without providing engineering or technical solutions. Feedback is tailored to the five evaluation criteria used by ESA: background and expertise, understanding of requirements and objectives, quality of the proposed programme of work, adequacy of management, costing and planning, and compliance with administrative tender conditions.
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ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CM25) took place in Bremen in the last week of November (26th & 27th). This is a high-level meeting of ministers from ESA member states (including the UK) to make major decisions about the agency's future. The council approves funding levels, set policy guidelines, and make commitments to new multi-year space programs. These decisions set the agency's priorities for the next 4-year period.
While the outcome from the Ministerial has just been announced, we will still need to wait to understand what the changes for Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) will be, but there are 2 key implications for anyone considering applying to BASS for funding:
- The current BASS Open Call for Proposals will close for submissions of Activity Pitch Questionnaires (APQs) on 25 November. This is to allow implementation of any new rules and competitions. A new Open Call for Proposals will be issued in December. There are likely to be changes. Please contact me for guidance.
- A new programme called ACCESS (Accelerating Commercialisation and Competitiveness of the European Space Sector) has been announced which brings together the BASS and ScaleUp (which includes the BICs and Brokers) programmes. There is not too much change on the individual programmes expected, but it should be much easier to understand for new companies considering ESA.
https://business.esa.int/news/esa-proposes-new-programme-to-streamline-support-for-european-business
I am always keen to talk to anyone who wants to know more about ESA Space Solutions or would like to talk through their idea to see if they would like to progress.
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin - Grant Day
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Artificial intelligence (AI) for environmental science phase one
Deadline: Thursday, 11th December 2025
Apply for funding to use artificial intelligence (AI) and data science in new ways to address complex environmental challenges. They’re seeking bold, innovative ideas with the potential to shape the future of environmental science.
Read more here.
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Defence and Security Accelerator Open Call for Innovation - CY2025 - Cycle 1
Deadline: Thursday, 16th December 2025
The Open Call for Innovation is one of the services the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) uses to find ideas that address challenges across both Defence and Security landscapes to give an edge over our adversaries.
The Open Call for Innovation allows innovative ideas to be proposed to Defence and Security stakeholders, even where a specific requirement has not been stipulated. It is a broad mechanism to allow innovators to present disruptive ideas which may otherwise be overlooked.
Read more here.
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Pushing the frontiers of environmental research: January 2026
Deadline: Wednesday, 21st January 2025
Apply for funding to pursue an ambitious, high risk and high reward curiosity-driven project in environmental research.
You must be:
Read more here.
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Orbit South Central: January 2026
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We’re excited to kick off the new year with our monthly networking event at Surrey Space Centre on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Orbit South Central is your opportunity to connect with key players in the UK space industry, explore the region’s latest projects, and discuss the sector at both local and national levels.
Expect insider updates, funding opportunities, and expert insights from across the space ecosystem—all in one dynamic session.
Speakers to be announced soon!
Sign up here.
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The Space Suppliers Summit is an international business convention connecting buyers and suppliers from across the space manufacturing sector. Now into its second edition, the convention is an opportunity for companies to showcase their unique capabilities, share insights and ideas, and create new networks through targeted business meetings and a high-level conference.
Find out more here.
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Space-Comm Expo at ExCel London is the UK’s leading event for the space industry with over 200 exhibitors, 50 speakers and 5,000 attendees including global leaders and influencers from across government, business, aerospace and defence.
It’s the largest event for the UK space industry with international delegations and visitors from NASA, ESA, NATO alongside Primes, SMEs and Start-Ups at the forefront of technology and innovation.
Now entering its fifth year, the multi award-winning Space-Comm Expo is dedicated to supporting the space industry with a unique format including UK and international exhibitors, product demonstrations, keynote speakers, multiple conference theatres, roundtables and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.
Find out more here.
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The SpaceCraft initiative at Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey makes it easier for organisations to create space-flight equipment and conduct space experiments, plus it enables students and companies to develop practical engineering skills.
Businesses can use Surrey's facilities to make and/or test space-related prototypes, with dedicated space engineers available to advise on early design, development, material choices and prototyping of innovative new space projects.
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The UK space sector is a vibrant ecosystem comprising diverse stakeholder communities, renowned for numerous innovative and globally recognised projects and programmes. However, the sector has traditionally lacked a cohesive systems approach to unite these varied forces and foster collaboration towards a shared vision for the future.
The Space Enterprise Community (SEC) platform has been designed to help address this challenge and support the UK Space Ecosystem to connect and thrive, offering users a selection of tools, resources and groups that connect stakeholders from different communities to enable collaboration while providing support and real-time updates on the latest news, events and opportunities.
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As part of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s national network of 15 Space Enterprise Labs across the UK, facilities in Guildford (Surrey Research Park) and London (IDEALondon) provide a critical platform for businesses and researchers to accelerate space innovation.
As physical anchors for the UK Space Ecosystem and complementing the Space Enterprise Community platform, the Space Enterprise Labs (SELs) bring communities together, both locally and nationally.
They include free access to resources, virtual demonstrations and expertise, as well as technology including:
- Large interactive touch screens and virtual canvas with full connectivity capabilities, enabling seamless delivery of meetings, business support sessions, capability demonstrations, and opportunity development workshops.
- Video conferencing licenses and professional webcams to run high-quality webinars and engage the community.
- Virtual Reality Headsets for demonstrations of space capability (1-on-1 or at events) such as the bespoke Virtual Reality Satellite 101 demonstration featuring the launch, deployment, and operation of a satellite.
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