Dear Reader,
March has been an exciting and busy month for Space South Central!
We started the month at Space-Comm Expo, London, along with 10 SMEs from our region. Following a successful pilot at last year's Space Tech Expo in Bremen, we're helping smaller companies raise their profiles by easing the administrative, logistical and budget constraints which prevent many SMEs exhibiting at major industry events
On the evening of the first day of Space Comm, we held a drinks reception for a Taiwanese delegation, where we formalised a major international partnership between Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the University of Portsmouth. This MoU aims to fast-track business collaboration, specifically targeting satellite supply chains.
Space-Comm also saw several big launches from around the region. Airbus Defence and Space and the Solent Growth Partnership announced the UK's first space and defence apprenticeship matching programme. Circuits Integrated - a recent addition to the Space South Central cluster - launched its new CI-ONE products, promising a leap forward in satellite communication technology; and one of our four academic partners, the University of Southampton, launched Southampton Space Institute to drive the development of new space technology, policy and space sustainability.
Southampton propulsion specialists, OhmSpace, signed an MoU with global satellite company HEX20, focusing on satellite propulsion technologies and mission integration support for upcoming small satellite missions.
LĂșnasa Space, a recent winner of SECP funding, has been acquired by European in-orbit servicing specialist Infinite Orbits.
Finally, Space South Central would like to wish a fond farewell to our Director, Dr Louise Butt, who will be moving on to a new role at the University of Surrey. Lou has been an influential figure in the space sector for many years and has helped Space South Central become one of the largest regional space clusters in the UK.
In the interim, Professor David Bacon from the University of Portsmouth will lead the cluster. If you would like to contact members of the Space South Central team, please direct enquiries as follows: [email protected] for business-related enquiries; [email protected] for strategic partnerships; [email protected] for international partnerships; and [email protected] for general enquiries.
Thank you for being part of the UK's most collaborative regional space community. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and Twitter, and we hope you enjoy this month's round-up!
Ebony Desposito
Digital Marketing Officer
|
|
Space South Central forges strategic alliance with Taiwan to accelerate satellite innovation and supply chain growth
|
|
|
Space South Central has officially formalised a major international partnership with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to boost bilateral trade, startup acceleration and technological exchange.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Wednesday, 4 March, at a special evening reception at UCL East during the Space-Comm Expo in London, marking a significant milestone in UK-Taiwan space relations.
The MOU follows Space South Centralâs involvement in several inward and outward academic and trade delegations between Taiwan and the UK since 2023. It aims to fast-track business collaboration, specifically targeting the satellite supply chain, startup ecosystems and talent development, leveraging the distinct competitive advantages of both regions.
Space South Central represents more than 210 organisations â including big names like Airbus, BAE Systems, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) â and its four academic partners, the universities of Portsmouth, Southampton, Surrey and UCL. The region is responsible for approximately 25% of the worldâs geostationary telecommunications satellites and accounts for nearly 20% of the turnover generated by UK space businesses. Taiwan is globally renowned for its high-level mass production capabilities, particularly in semiconductors and computer systems.
|
|
|
Regional collaboration launches UKâs first space and defence apprenticeship matching programme
|
|
|
Airbus Defence and Space, Portsmouth, and the Solent Growth Partnership have announced an innovative collaboration to create the UKâs first ever space and defence apprenticeship matching programme.
The new pilot initiative â announced today at Space-Comm Expo Europe in London â will ensure that talented young people who narrowly miss out on highly competitive Airbus apprenticeship roles are supported into alternative high-quality opportunities with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Each year, Airbus Defence and Space attracts thousands of applications from motivated, technically skilled young people with aspirations to build careers in engineering, digital, and advanced manufacturing. However, Airbus in Portsmouth only has a limited number of places available, so the new pilot apprenticeship matching programme aims to give strong candidates another possible pathway into industry.
Under this pioneering model, applicants who reach the later stages of the Airbus Portsmouth recruitment process, but miss out on an offer, will be invited to join the Solent Growth Partnership/Airbus talent pool. From there, they will be matched with local SMEs looking for ambitious apprentices who are ready to make an immediate impact.
|
|
Circuits Integrated unveils advanced satcom tech at Space-Comm London
|
|
Circuits Integrated Hellas (CIH), a recent addition to the Space South Central cluster, launched its new CI-ONE products at Space-Comm in London this week, promising a leap forward in satellite communication technology.
The CI-ONE family of integrated Ka-band switch power amplifiers redefines Ka-band RF integration into a single, compact, surface-mount module. CI-ONE modules are around three times smaller, up to 50% cheaper and 20% more efficient than conventional solutions, offering exceptional performance for satcom applications including maritime, in-flight connectivity, defence and emergency response.
|
|
Lift off for Southampton Space Institute
|
|
Space South Central academic partner, the University of Southampton, has announced the launch of Southampton Space Institute to drive the development of new space technology, policy and space sustainability.
Building on the universityâs 65-year heritage of education and research in space science, aeronautics and astronautics, Southampton Space Institute brings together its world-renowned research groups and facilities to interact with government agencies and industry.
|
|
Cluster business announces international partnership to advance satellite propulsion technologies
|
|
Southampton-based propulsion specialist, OhmSpace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global satellite company, HEX20, focusing on satellite propulsion technologies and mission integration support for upcoming small satellite missions.âŻ
The MoU cements the companiesâ ongoing relationship following their introduction during a Space South Central-supported delegation to the UK as part of the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Instituteâs (ITRI) TAcc+ programme for space technology start-ups.
A spin-out from the University of Southampton â one of Space South Centralâs four academic partners â OhmSpace develops high-performance electric propulsion systems that enable greater manoeuvrability and safety compared with conventional technologies.
Among the projects arising from the OhmSpace/HEX20 partnership is a joint In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission for the Southampton companyâs pioneering STAR-Water-nano system, a sustainable, water-based electric thruster designed for small satellites.
|
|
Space South Central at Space-Comm Europe Expo 2026
|
|
|
Held annually at Excel London, Space-Comm Europe Expo is the UKâs largest space industry event, this year attracting 5,400 delegates, 200 speakers and 250 exhibitors â including Space South Central! Here are some of our highlights from the two-day event.
For the first time, we offered cluster SMEs the opportunity to exhibit with us at Space-Comm, following a successful pilot at last yearâs Space Tech Expo in Bremen, Germany.
Exhibiting at national and international space industry events is invaluable for any company wanting to maximise networking opportunities for sales, collaborations or investment. For SMEs, however, time, budget and staffing constraints can make exhibiting at big events a challenge, if not impossible.
To make exhibiting more accessible for smaller businesses, in 2025, we offered space for five cluster SMEs to join us on Space South Centralâs Space Tech Expo stand, co-branded with the companiesâ information, giving each business all the benefits of exhibiting â at a fraction of the cost.
With positive feedback from the five companies that joined us in Bremen, we decided to do it all again at Space-Comm â but this time with 10 SMEs!
As with Bremen, the Space South Central team handled the stand design and administration for Space-Comm, leaving our 10 companies â CCww (Communication Consultants World Wide), Circuits Integrated Hellas, EECL (European Engineering & Consultancy Ltd), Hnosi Space Solutions, Jaltek, MDA Space, R E Thompson & Co, Satraka, Surrey NanoSystems and Stars Edge â free to focus on getting the most out of the show.
|
|
LĂșnasa Space acquired by Infinite Orbits
|
|
LĂșnasa Space has been acquired by European in-orbit servicing specialist Infinite Orbits.
The deal sees Toulouse-based Infinite Orbits acquire LĂșnasa as part of its European expansion strategy, establishing a stronger operational footprint in the United Kingdom.
LĂșnasa Space, headquartered in London, has built its reputation developing advanced technologies for autonomous navigation, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), critical capabilities for the next generation of in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing missions.
Through the acquisition, LĂșnasaâs engineering talent, intellectual property and testing infrastructure will strengthen Infinite Orbitsâ Endurance satellite servicing vehicle, designed to extend the operational life of satellites in geostationary orbit.
The integration also brings LĂșnasaâs UK assembly, integration and testing (AIT) facilities into the Infinite Orbits network, supporting closer collaboration with British industry, research institutions and government partners.
The announcement follows LĂșnasaâs recent success in securing UK Space Agency Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP) funding, delivered via Space South Central, to advance its Cosmic Labs shared orbital platform for inâorbit technology validation.
|
|
ESA Proposal Advice Service
|
|
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.
|
|
Skills for Space - UKSA Launches Paid Internships
|
|
The UK Space Agency has launched Skills for Space, a new internship programme offering 50 paid eightâweek placements across the UK space sector in summer 2026, aimed at undergraduates and Further Education students.
The scheme responds to significant skills shortagesâ80% of organisations report recruitment difficultiesâand will give participants handsâon project experience in areas such as engineering, software, data science and business skills. Applications are now open, with placements to be announced in May, offering Space South Central students a practical launchpad into one of the UKâs fastestâgrowing industries.
|
|
|
Marchâs Ambassador update is all about water!
There is an upcoming thematic call on the Digitalisation of the Water Sector looking to fund proof-of-concept and pilot projects that utilise space-enabled digital solutions that enhance either water resilience or water sustainability.
Opening Date: 12/05/2026
Closing Date: 30/08/2026
Water is one of our most important natural resources, ensuring human survival and healthy ecosystems and is crucial for agriculture, food production, energy, biodiversity conservation and many other industrial sectors. Unfortunately, this vital resource is currently threatened by water scarcity, water pollution, climate change, water conflict, and more.
Strengthening sanitation systems, preventing pollution and improving wastewater treatment are essential steps, but achieving this requires tools that allow for better monitoring, enforcement and long-term planning.
Topics identified in conversation with these partners are:
Water Resilience, including:
- Water quality monitoring
- Water availability management
- Water Sanitation
- Monitoring of Industrial Discharge
Water Sustainability, including:
- Infrastructure monitoring
- High-Non Revenue Water
- Failures in Sewage
- Resilience to drought and flooding
There will be a webinar on 20th May (10.00am BST time) Register here
There are some great case studies in the BASS portfolio on this topic, with my favourite being the APPS Demonstration Project from Aquascope Solutions Ltd
This demonstration project is looking to accelerate the time-to-market for a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) service brings accuracy, integrity and assurance to nature markets. Enabling project developers and asset managers to measure, report and verify their nature-based carbon and water assets.
|
|
|
Finally, ESA BASS will be holding a Water Day in May.
|
|
The Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) Water Day event will tackle water related challenges from different angles and discuss how technology and space can be a part of the solution. It will provide an opportunity for networking, for BASS supported projects to showcase their solutions and for new collaborations to emerge with the common aim of tackling water-related challenges.
Registration is required
|
|
|
UK Space Agency C-LEO Call 2: ARTES Only
Deadline: Monday, 13th April 2026
This is a defined Call, with up to ÂŁ30,000,000 of UK Space Agency funding being made available, with individual applications for UK Space Agency funding expected to be a minimum of ÂŁ3,000,000.
Each funded project will have a lower threshold that will need to be met for the project to be eligible for funding. The lower threshold has been put in place to ensure we are able to support large scale, ambitious projects that meet the programme objective to accelerate industrialisation of the satellite communication sector in the UK.
All projects must include a compelling element of matched funding to be eligible under the programme. Further details on matched funding and other eligibility requirements are contained in the guidance document.
Read more here.
â
Sustainable Wetlands
Deadline: Friday, 1st May 2026
This opportunity invites businesses to submit proposals for space-based applications and services that support wetland sustainability while delivering economically viable business cases. Selected studies can access 75% funding from the European Space Agency, with a maximum of âŹ75,000 per activity.
Read more here.
â
ESA Phi-Lab
Deadline: Friday, 15th May 2026
The ESA PhiâLab UK funds and supports cuttingâedge research projects that bridge earlyâstage research and commercialisation, accelerating disruptive, marketâready innovation in the space sector.
The programme focuses on spaceâenabled sustainability technologies, supporting projects aligned with its three pillars: Environmental Sustainability, Space Sustainability and Space Resilience.
Read more here.
â
Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Open Call for Innovation
Deadline: Wednesday, 1st July 2026
The Open Call is looking for innovative ideas to improve the defence and security of the UK. Your idea could be a concept, product or service, at various levels of maturity.
Read more here.
â
Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite Telecommunication for Space Solutions
Deadline: Thursday, 3rd September 2026
The topic encompasses actions within the scope of the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (âSpace Partnershipâ) in the areas of satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO) and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions and is part of cohesive activities in the domain of digital developments under the grand heading of âdigitalisation for commercial space solutionsâ.
For more information on Horizon funding calls contact Elizabeth Clutton:
[email protected].
â
|
|
Orbit South Central: April 2026
|
|
|
On Wednesday 29th April 2026, Space South Central is delighted to host our monthly networking event, Orbit South Central.
Created with the aim of connecting key players in the UK space industry and providing an opportunity to discover the regionâs space-related activities, whilst discussing the sector on both a local and national level. Our monthly networking events are an occasion in which we can meet to share our knowledge and skills. A chance to hear the latest news, and funding opportunities whilst listening to experts across the sector share their thoughts and ideas.
Speakers for this month include:
John Moth from Spur Electron
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. You can follow our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts where we share regular updates about our work and events.
By applying for tickets, you will automatically be registered for our monthly newsletter. Should you wish to opt out, please email [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you very soon!
Sign up here.
|
|
|
The ScaleUp Institute with the London Stock Exchange, the University of Surrey and their key partners, are hosting a ScaleUp Britain event on Thursday 16th April 2026 in central Surrey.
This will be open to all scaling businesses as well as ecosystem players supporting these businesses.
The event will delve into the funding landscape and options to raise capital in 2026 and beyond; providing insights on new initiatives to tap into private capital and access a broader and deeper investor pool, including institutional capital in an easier, simpler way whilst remaining private, while oneâs company grows.
It will be a great opportunity to hear about the various funding and scaleup support initiatives in train, as well as offer excellent opportunities to network with peers.
Find out more here.
|
|
Trading Internationally: The Good, Bad and Ugly
|
|
Overview
- Are you thinking of trading internationally?
- Worried about all the horror stories?
- Curious about where to start?
- Not sure if its the right thing to do or if it will be good for business?
Join Barclays Eagle Labs and Colleagues from Barclays business bank to explore how to simplify trading internationally.
Hear from 2 businesses that have both traded internationally and discover their stories and the pro's and con's and the support they received from agencies such as Department for Business and Trade.
Have a chance to speak to experts and ask questions then network!
Find out more here.
|
|
Military Space Situational Awareness Conference
|
|
|
Secure your place at the 21st annual Military Space Situational Awareness Conference (5th-7th May 2026), Europeâs leading event on space domain awareness. Join 250+ professionals, 40+ expert speakers, and representatives from 20+ nations for three days of insight, collaboration and cuttingâedge discussion.
New for 2026: a dedicated Space Control, Threats & Hazards Focus Day, bringing together military leaders, specialists and industry innovators to explore challenges in a rapidly contested domain.
Find out more here.
|
|
Farnborough International Airshow - 2026
|
|
|
Held biennially at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Hampshire, England, this premier event offers unparalleled opportunities to forge new connections, engage with thought leaders, and be part of transformative change in aerospace, aviation, space, and defence sectors.
Taking place 20-24 July 2026, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 will host leading innovators from the aerospace, space, aviation and defence industries and beyond, to showcase the latest innovations.
Find out more here.
|
|
|
Want to become a member of the Space South Central regional space cluster?
Join our growing community of innovators, investors, researchers and spaceâenabled businesses. As a member, youâll gain access to dedicated support, curated opportunities, and a powerful regional network.
Get involved and help shape the future of the South Central space economy.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
As part of the Satellite Applications Catapultâs 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.
|
|
|
|
|
