Dear Reader,
Welcome to the July edition of the Space South Central newsletter!
While many have been looking ahead to a well-earned summer break, July has been anything but quiet for the Space South Central team. It has been a month packed with major announcements, exciting events and fantastic achievements across our cluster.
From attending the Farnborough International Airshow, where Space Minister Liz Lloyd announced a £99 million investment package for the UK space sector, including the long-awaited Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund to bringing Orbit South Central to Sussex for the very first time, hosted by cluster member Surrey Nanosystems, there has been plenty to celebrate.
We're also delighted to share that three of our partner universities—Portsmouth, Surrey and UCL—have become founding members of the Defence Universities Alliance, highlighting the strength of expertise within our network.
Alongside these highlights, you'll find the latest news from across the cluster, upcoming opportunities and events, and an update from UK ESA Ambassador Grant Day. We hope you enjoy this month's edition.
Thank you for being part of the UK's most collaborative regional space community. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Ebony Desposito
Digital Marketing Officer
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Opportunities for region as government unveils £99m UK space boost
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On the first day of the Farnborough International Air Show, Space Minister Liz Lloyd announced a £99 million package of UK space sector investment.
Space South Central will be backing bids from organisations across Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.
A range of funding opportunities were announced, including the following:
- The C-LEO Programme is offering £42 million to UK businesses, universities and research organisations to develop new satellite communications technologies.
- The £20 million call from NSIP aims to fuel space innovation, supporting the development of all areas of space technologies across UK industry and academia.
- The SCIF funding call will award £37 million in grants by 2030, strengthening regional space infrastructure and capabilities and reducing dependence on international partners for access to critical space assets.
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Cluster networking event comes to East Sussex for the first time
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Last month we brought our monthly free space industry networking event to East Sussex for the first time, kindly hosted by Newhaven-based Surrey NanoSystems.
Each month, the cluster hosts Orbit South Central events around the region, bringing together people from the space sector and related fields to network, hear from industry and spark ideas and partnerships.
Billed as an ‘ExtraOrdinary’ Orbit South Central, July’s event was the first to take place outside the cluster’s geographical area, and the first larger-scale external event hosted by Surrey NanoSystems at their East Side Business Park premises.
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University of Surrey Space Institute - Industry Training Needs Survey
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What training does your organisation need?
Having long provided popular CPD courses in areas including satellite communications, space systems design and radar and remote sensing, the Surrey Space Institute is tailoring their catalogue to ensure it’s as relevant and meaningful as possible to today’s space sector.
Their aim is to capture your training needs in this short survey so that they can support skills development in the areas required and help ensure the space ecosystem has the skilled workers it needs to grow and thrive.
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Space South Central Universities have joined new UK Defence Universities Alliance
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The University of Portsmouth, the University of Surrey and UCL have become a founding member of a new national alliance bringing together leading universities to strengthen defence research, develop future skills, and support careers across the UK's defence and national security sectors.
Launched on the 13th July by then Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP, the UK Defence Universities Alliance (DUA) will create a thriving network of defence research expertise and drive a highly-skilled workforce across the UK.
The alliance is a long-term collaboration between the MOD, the UK Armed Forces, the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor for National Security, and the higher education sector. It will help defence and academia work together across research, skills and developing the future defence industry workforce.
Find out more from Portsmouth and Surrey below.
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The physicist trying to solve the gravity question
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Quantum mechanics and general relativity don’t fit together, and a big part of the issue comes down to gravity. For decades, the accepted route to an ultimate theory of everything has involved taking our best theory of gravity and squeezing it into the frame of quantum mechanics. Yet, almost a century later, scientists still haven’t managed to make gravity fit. Ivette Fuentes from the University of Southampton is a professor of quantum mechanics who conducts experiments at the scales where quantum theory and general relativity interplay. Fuentes sat down with New Scientist features editor Thomas Lewton to discuss the issues and fascinating theories that pop out when we try to fit classical and quantum mechanics together.
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Astrophysicists show how the world’s darkest coating could protect the night sky from satellite light pollution
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A satellite coating made from one of the world's darkest materials could help tackle a growing threat to astronomy, according to new research led by astrophysicists at the University of Surrey. With as many as 60,000 satellites projected to orbit Earth by 2030, scientists are searching for ways to reduce their brightness in the night sky.
In a new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, researchers demonstrate how Vantablack® 310 – an ultra-black coating developed by University of Surrey spinout Surrey NanoSystems, co-authors of the paper – could play a major role in reducing light pollution from satellites in low Earth orbit.
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Space Qualified MM-WAVE Components Using Precision Metallised AM
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A startup enabling novel antenna and mm-wave component designs by leveraging a combination of precision 3D printing of lightweight polymer and a proprietary 3D metallization technology. The team combines expertise in 3D microfabrication and electromagnetism. The company has undertaken an extensive pre-qualification of its materials and products for LEO mission profiles.
- Design and manufacturing of a variety of Microwave components
- Lightweight, compact mm-wave waveguide antennas
- Split-block waveguide components
- Bespoke/custom passive components (example filters)
- Rapid manufacturing and prototyping by 3D microprinting and coating
Relating to Space applications – Horizon offers hybrid microfabrication (precision polymer 3D printing + functional coatings), from prototypes to mass-production-qualified solutions. The technology translates into lighter RF and payload hardware (shielding housings, antennas, filters, waveguide structures) that can be produced at scale.
For more information and to discuss your Space component requirements, please contact: [email protected]
http://www.horizonmicrotechnologies.com/
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Expression of Interest: Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund - Call 2
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The expression of interest is open for five weeks commencing 20 July 2026, ahead of a competitive funding process later this year.
Building on the success of the SCIF Pilot programme, which supported 13 projects across the UK, the next round of SCIF will issue at least £37 million in grant funding for infrastructure projects that help grow the UK’s space capabilities, unlock investment, create high-value jobs, scale businesses, strengthen supply chains and enable technologies to progress from development through to commercial deployment.
Underpinned by the space cluster network, the programme ensures that the collaboration between academia, industry, investors and local government delivers local economic prosperity and supports national security ambitions.
The programme will run from 2026 through to 2030. Programme monitoring and evaluation criteria will be published alongside the full funding call.
Deadline for submissions is the 21st of August if you have any questions feel free to email Elizabeth Clutton at [email protected]
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July’s Ambassador update includes details of a new thematic sub call, a portfolio spotlight on an excellent project from Beeline a SME in the Space South Central Region, and details of an upcoming ESA Industry Space Days 2026.
The Arctic Region: Safety, Navigation and Operations
This is the second Arctic Region sub-call focusessin on safety, navigation and operations. Applications are invited for space-enabled solutions that support safer maritime navigation and more resilient operations in the Arctic.
Opening date: 05/09/2026
Closing date: 05/11/2026
Applications are particularly encouraged where they address challenges related to:
- ice monitoring
- route optimisation
- search and rescue
- situational awareness
- overall operational safety in the Arctic region
There is a webinar coming on 15th July that I recommend registering for:
https://esacontact.esa.int/Register-to-event/?readableEventId=Webinar_-_The_Arctic_Region_Safety_Navigation_and_Operations2299910483
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Project Spotlight: B2B Bike Navigation by Beeline
B2B Bike Navigation is a Demonstration Project by to develop great navigation embedded into the products and services of businesses which use or provide 2 wheeled vehicles (e-scooters, motorcycles).
Beeline has built an end-to-end navigation service which can be fully integrated into business customers’ own bike-based products and services, which includes:
- Best-in-class routing optimisation, tailored to use-case and vehicle
- Customisation of routing profiles and areas to customers’ needs
- Navigation guidance system and interface specifically designed for 2-wheeler use cases, via GPS+ motion sensor fusion
- B2B platform for easy integration into customers’ native apps via SDKs and APIs
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Upcoming event: Industry Space Days 2026
The ISD is organised by the SME section in the ESA Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness to foster cooperation between different actors in the entire space sector.
DATE: 16-17 September 2026
TIME: 09:30 - 17:30 CEST
VENUE: ESA/ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Key elements of the event include:
- pre-scheduled 1-on-1 meetings to establish new contacts in an efficient and time-saving manner
- an exhibition with ESA and industry booths and the possibility to engage with future partners
- keynotes and panel discussions with contributions by ESA, industry, investors and institutional partners
- ESA presentations and workshops about business opportunities and future activities
Register:
https://atpi.eventsair.com/isd2026/pre-registration/Site/Register
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Side event: Powering a Sustainable Future: Energy, Space and Innovation
Within ESA’s Industry Space Days there will be a side event ‘Powering a Sustainable Future: Energy, Space and Innovation’.
Learn about the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) funding opportunity, hear directly from transmission system operators and meet potential partners in a matchmaking session to develop a competitive project proposal.
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The Space-Enabled Solutions for Resilient Grids Call for Proposals aims to support the development of space-enabled solutions that enhance the resilience, security, and operational performance of Europe's electricity transmission infrastructure.
Proposed solutions may address:
• Grid resilience to natural hazards and emerging threats
• Monitoring and protection of critical infrastructure
• Continuity of operations during disruption
• Enhanced situational awareness and decision support
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Earth Observation InCubed funding call
Deadline: Friday 21st August 2026
The UK Space Agency, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), is running a new call for proposals for the InCubed (Investing in Industrial Innovation) programme. InCubed is a co-funded Earth Observation programme designed to support the development and de-risking of innovative and commercially viable products and services, acting as a final step towards commercialisation rather than a research activity.
Read more here.
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Digitalisation of the water sector
Deadline: Sunday, 30th August 2026
Today, the world faces a defining challenge: how to manage too much, too little or too polluted water in the face of growing populations, climate change and strained infrastructure. Among these pressures, water sanitation has emerged as one the most urgent global concerns. The impacts of climate change, growing demand and the depletion of natural resources call for a paradigm shift in how water service providers, water management authorities, regions, cities and citizens manage and protect water. Society must develop and increase the adoption of innovative solutions to ensure water sustainability and resilience across all societal functions, while fully safeguarding the environment. 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.
Read more here.
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Earth Observation Missions and Technology Innovation Call 1
Deadline: Tuesday 1st September 2026
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for UK-based research and development projects to develop innovative Earth Observation (EO) technologies through the EO Missions and Technology (EOMT) Innovation Call 1. Proposals should align with the objectives of the UK National Space Strategy, and we particularly encourage applications for innovative, early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects supporting climate monitoring, the environment, dual use and commercial applications.
Read more here.
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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 (‘Space Partnership’) 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 “digitalisation for commercial space solutions”.
For more information on Horizon funding calls contact Elizabeth Clutton:
[email protected].
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Scientific analysis and exploitation of space data
Deadline: Thursday, 3rd September 2026
The aim of this Horizon Europe topic is the analysis (including validation) and exploitation of acquired and available data provided by scientific and exploration instruments and missions in their pre-operative, operative, post-operative or data exploitation phase, focusing on astronomy and astrophysics, cosmology, heliophysics, deep space and solar system exploration, ensuring complementarity with activities already supported by agencies during development phases. Such data may also originate from CubeSat and small satellite missions for advancing space science and exploration.
More specifically, data to be analysed are expected to result from science and exploration missions (including cubesat to small satellite missions) from ESA, national space agencies, research organisations and universities missions. Earth observing missions are not considered in the scope of this topic. This analysis may require innovative and advanced data processing techniques, the use of advanced artificial intelligence techniques, novel statistical approaches, multidimensional data fusion while optimizing the use of advanced computing hardware architectures, as well as novel data (re)presentation and visualization techniques.
For more information on Horizon funding calls contact Elizabeth Clutton:
[email protected].
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Orbit South Central September 2026
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On Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, Space South Central is delighted to host our monthly networking event, Orbit South Central, at the IDEALondon at UCL.
Created with the aim of connecting key players in the UK space industry and providing an opportunity to discover the region’s 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.
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.
We look forward to seeing you very soon.
Sign up here.
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UK Earth Observation Conference 2026
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UKEO 2026 will bring together the UK’s Earth observation community across research, industry, government and policy to share the latest science, applications and innovations shaping our use of Earth observation data and technology. The conference will provide a key forum to exchange ideas, build collaborations and explore how EO supports national and global priorities.
Sign up here.
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East Hampshire District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions are delighted to invite you to take part in “Click – Working in a Digital World”, taking place on Friday 25 September 2026, 10am–3pm at The Maltings, Alton (GU34 1DT).
The event will be opened by Damian Hinds MP and will begin with a dedicated business networking hour, offering valuable opportunities for organisations to connect, collaborate and raise their profile, before opening to the public.
To secure your place or find out more, please email [email protected] or [email protected]
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Want to become a member of the Space South Central regional space cluster?
Join our growing community of innovators, investors, researchers and space‑enabled businesses. As a member, you’ll 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.
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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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