Dear Reader,
There’s plenty happening across the space sector this month, with exciting research, achievements and opportunities to get involved across our region and beyond! From Southampton researchers inviting citizen scientists to help hunt for hidden black holes, to University of Portsmouth PhD student Natalie Lines receiving the prestigious 2026 Jocelyn Bell Burnell Medal and Prize, there’s lots to celebrate across our local space community. We’re also taking a look at new research from the University of Surrey exploring how solar radiation events could affect aviation, highlighting the important role space science plays in understanding and managing real-world challenges.
Alongside the latest news, we’ve rounded up a range of opportunities for researchers, businesses and innovators looking to develop new ideas and collaborations. These include fellowships, funding programmes and initiatives supporting innovation across different sectors.
There are also opportunities to connect with the wider community, including a free astronomy and cosmology lecture in Portsmouth and developments in space engineering education through a new dual-degree collaboration. As always, we’re keen to share the people, projects and possibilities helping to grow the South Central space ecosystem.
Read on for this month’s news, funding opportunities and events, and discover how you can get involved with the exciting work happening across Space South Central!
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
|
|
|
Space South Central at the Labour Party Conference 2026
|
|
This year’s Labour Party Conference took place in Liverpool from 27-30 September, and Space South Central’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, Dr Elizabeth Clutton, was there to represent the cluster.
Read more about Elizabeth's time at the conference below.
|
|
|
Scientists enlist armchair astronomers to find thousands of black holes hiding in our galaxy
|
|
|
Cosmic detectives are being called on for an interstellar mission to hunt down thousands of invisible black holes lurking in our own back yard.
Space scientists from the University of Southampton need amateur astronomers to search for signs that might locate them.
They know the location of about 70 black holes but reckon there could be thousands more hiding in our galaxy yet to be discovered.
Experts behind the Black Holes Hunters project used a clever AI system to pre-screen millions of possible locations in our Milky Way and pinpoint where they may be hidden.
|
|
University of Portsmouth PhD student wins national physics award
|
|
|
A University of Portsmouth PhD student has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Jocelyn Bell Burnell Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Natalie Lines was recognised for her exceptional early-career research in observational cosmology and pioneering use of machine learning to explore the Universe.
The award is presented by the IOP, the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, which celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions to the field.
Its annual awards reflect the wide variety of people, places, organisations and achievements that make physics such an exciting discipline.
|
|
Rare solar radiation storm gives scientists clearest picture yet of flight risks
|
|
The most comprehensive dataset ever collected by airborne instruments during a solar radiation event has highlighted the importance of better-coordinated radiation monitoring for aviation safety, according to a new study led by the University of Surrey.
The study, published in Space Weather, analysed data collected on 11 November 2025 during the largest Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) observed in almost 20 years. Triggered by a rare X5-class solar flare, the event caused an intense burst of radiation particles from the Sun to penetrate Earth’s atmosphere and reach ground level.
Researchers combined readings from ground-based neutron monitors across the UK, detectors onboard transatlantic passenger flights and radiation monitors carried by weather balloons launched high into the atmosphere from the UK and the Netherlands.
|
|
Explore the mysteries of the Universe at free Portsmouth event
|
|
|
Two of the University’s leading scientists will share the latest discoveries from the frontiers of astronomy and cosmology during a special double bill of inaugural lectures.
On Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 6.00pm, Professor Or Graur and Professor Ian Harry, both from the University’s internationally renowned Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, will reveal how their research is helping to answer some of the biggest questions about the Universe.
The event will explore everything from exploding stars and supermassive black holes to gravitational waves, the ripples in spacetime that have transformed our understanding of the cosmos since they were first detected a decade ago.
An inaugural lecture is one of the most prestigious events in a professor's career, celebrating their achievements and contributions to research, teaching and public engagement.
|
|
National Central University and University of Surrey Launch 4+1 Dual Degree in Space Engineering
|
|
|
National Central University (NCU) formally launched a 4+1 dual-degree programme in Space Engineering with the University of Surrey this September. At the same time, NCU established a preparatory office for an International Space Cooperation Centre to promote international industry–academia exchange and collaboration with the Surrey Space Institute. With space as a shared priority field, the two universities plan to advance Taiwan–UK space exchange and cooperation through dual degrees, teaching and research collaboration, and industry links.
|
|
Moon Landing Coding Collective
|
|
Social value and outreach made easy, via the Moon Landing Coding Collective!
Get with the Program’s Moon Landing Coding Collective is a wonderful social value and outreach opportunity. Can your organisation support its skills gap goals?
Last year, their CAA/DfT 2025 Reach for the Sky grant funding reach an incredible 25,000 children in England. This year, they want to match or smash that achievement, and extend the reach across the whole of the UK! They already have funding secured for 50 schools in England to experience the newly upgraded, remotely delivered, Moon Landing Coding Adventure for ages 5-11. This is thanks to the fabulous 2026 Reach for the Sky grant, which has also funded a new Jobs in Aerospace activity
But there are many more children waiting to discover that coding, technology, space and aerospace could be for them!
Get with the Program is inviting organisations to join the Coding Collective, through funding and/or an exchange of services, helping to take this adventure further, while also supporting your organisation’s outreach, ESG, skills development, inclusion, marketing and social value goals. As a member of the Coding Collective, you’ll be helping inclusively inspire the tech, space and aerospace innovators of the future, while receiving social media coverage and recognition from us throughout the 2026/27 academic year.
Could your organisation help kids from ages 5-11 reach for the Moon ... and beyond?
|
|
|
There are few days remaining to submit an APQ into the Safety, Navigation and Operations Arctic Region sub-call.
Fortunately, the 3rd sub-call of the Arctic Region thematic calls is opening shortly:
The Arctic Region: Security and Critical Protection
Looking for solutions that will address wildfire risk assessment, fuel load management, and the application of preventative and adaptation measures.
Opening date: 06/11/2026
Closing date: 06/01/2027
Applications are particularly encouraged relating to:
There will be a webinar on 4th November 10.00am UK:
https://esacontact.esa.int/Register-to-event/?readableEventId=Webinar_-_The_Arctic_Region_Security_and_Critical_Protection2243821379
|
|
|
ESA Space Solutions has published a new Finance and Insurance Dossier to illustrate how space data and ESA activities are supporting the rapid transformation of these sectors as exposure to climate-related and natural hazard risks increases.
The Finance and Insurance Dossier is a summary of the Space for Finance and Insurance focus area for ESA Space Solutions.
The financial sector is a key driver of the transition to a sustainable economy. At the same time, it is adapting to shifting data dynamics and competitive pressures while still confronting major challenges in cyber security, access to climate‑related data, regulatory compliance, and reaching under‑served markets.
Similarly, the insurance sector is emerging as a leading contributor to global Earth Observation revenues, while facing significant shifts in its challenges due to natural disaster – impacting damage assessments, asset monitoring, and more.
Space‑enabled solutions can enhance these services by improving data completeness, latency, accuracy, precision, and provenance. From delivering high-resolution and near real-time environmental intelligence to enabling transparent, traceable impact verification, new business models can reduce underwriting and investment risk and expand access to finance where it is most needed.
|
|
|
I always enjoy including a case study in the Ambassador’s update, and Dark Vision a demonstration project from Veritas Imagery is a great example of a SME from the Space South Central doing exciting and innovative things.
|
|
|
The Dark Vision service will use a range of nighttime imagery sources to meet customer requirements. The layering and intercalibration of sensors will allow very high-resolution identification of nighttime features through to nationwide classification (e.g. artificial light pollution, categorised by land use). The service utilises open and commercial data sources and provides a greater understanding of the impact of light pollution on the environment and how this may be used as a proxy for human presence and activity.
|
|
|
Norman Lockyer Fellowship
Deadline: Sunday, 15th November 2026
The Royal Astronomical Society invites applications for the Norman Lockyer fellowship. This enables a researcher to devote most of their time to research on an astronomical topic, including solar system and planetary science.
Read more here.
—
MDI Programme Innovation and Scale-up Hub
Deadline: Wednesday, 18th November 2026
UK registered eligible organisations can apply for a share of up to £4 million for a Manufacturing Digitalisation Innovation and Scale-up Hub to improve the targeting, quality and commercial impact of grant funded activity.
Read more here.
—
ESA Wildfires
Deadline: Tuesday, 1st December 2026
This is part of the Wildfire Safety initiative, inviting proposals for innovative services that advance wildfire management using space technology and data.
The first call focused on Wildfire Response, supporting solutions for early detection of wildfires, near-real-time fire evolution monitoring, and fire behaviour simulation and prediction. A subsequent call focusing on Wildfire Preparedness will open on 1 September 2026, and will address wildfire risk assessment, fuel load management, and the application of preventative and adaptation measures.
Read more here.
—
EPSRC AI ICURe Engage - January 2027
Deadline: Thursday, 10th December 2026
EPSRC AI ICURe Engage is a 4-week, part-time programme for those projects directly linked to the Turing Fellowships and / or the AI CDTs, delivered by the SETsquared Partnership, and tailored for researchers and technicians. This programme aims to identify potential beneficiaries and users of academic research, introduce participants to commercialisation tools, and foster entrepreneurship.
Read more here.
—
Water Breakthrough Challenge 7
Deadline: Tuesday, 5th January 2027
The seventh round of the Water Breakthrough Challenge (‘Breakthrough 7’) will make up to £50 million available to highly collaborative water-sector innovations, aiming to deliver benefits for customers, communities and the environment.
The previous round, Water Breakthrough Challenge 6, concluded earlier in 2026, with 19 winners awarded a total of £58 million. Learn about the previous challenge and the winning innovations.
Read more here.
—
|
|
Orbit South Central November 2026
|
|
|
On Wednesday 25th November 2026, Space South Central is delighted to host our monthly networking event, Orbit South Central at the University of Southampton’s Future Towns Innovation Hub (FTiH).
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.
Speakers include:
- Andrew Kuh, Business Development Manager from Southampton Space Institute
- Julian Parfitt from Alrad Instruments Ltd
Sign up here.
|
|
Business South 2026 Annual Conference
|
|
|
Central South – Shaping Tomorrow Together
The Business South Annual Conference is the flagship business event in the Central South region’s calendar. Attracting over 200 senior business leaders and key stakeholders from the private and public sector it enables new connections to be established and new collaborations to take place.
The title of the Business South Annual Conference for 2026 is Shaping Tomorrow Together, they look forward to welcoming our champions and guests.
Defence & Aerospace in Focus
The Central South is home to a world-class defence and aerospace sector, with outstanding strengths in innovation, engineering, technology, and highly skilled talent, the sector is worth an estimated £1.5 billion in Hampshire alone. At this year’s Business South Annual Conference, their Defence & Aerospace panel will explore the sector’s significant contribution to the region and its potential to drive future economic growth.
Find out more here.
|
|
|
From November 17-19, 2026, the global space community will converge in Bremen, Germany, for Space Tech Expo Europe. As Europe’s largest B2B exhibition for the space supply chain, this event is the premier hub for discovering the next generation of satellite technology and space-bound innovations.
The expo is the ultimate meeting point for engineers and decision-makers. It offers a unique look into the full space supply chain, from advanced manufacturing and testing services to the high-performance materials that make missions possible. It’s where the industry connects to solve the challenges of modern space exploration.
Following last year’s success, Space South Central will be exhibiting again at this year’s Space Tech Expo in Bremen. If you are attending the event, please get in touch so we can include you in Space South Central communications and any SSC-related activities taking place during the expo. If you are not attending but would like to be represented, please also contact us. Send all enquiries to our Business Engagement Officer, Victoria May-Chamberlain, at [email protected].
Find out more here.
|
|
SpaceTech Startup Roadshow
|
|
|
SpaceTech Startup Roadshow exists to attract the best early stage founders, relevant investors and the wider startup ecosystem, from across the space industry.
This event is a chance for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, and network with relevant investors and entrepreneurs. It will include a startup pitch competition with early-stage startups being judged by a panel of angel and VC investor judges.
If you're a founder looking to get your startup noticed, or an investor interested in discovering the next big thing in the SpaceTech sector, then this is the place to be.
Sign up here.
|
|
Are you interested in exploring business with the European Space Agency? Do you want to learn the basics about ESA? Join our event!
Join us for a practical and informative event designed to help businesses like yours engage with ESA and the UK Space Agency.
Delivered by UK Space Agency in collaboration with ESA and the Space Clusters, this event covers essential topics such as ESA’s industrial policy, current activity and programmes, basics of ESA procurement and how to navigate through ESA STAR.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry peers, hear first-hand experiences from businesses that have successfully collaborated with ESA, and ask questions to the UK Space Agency, Space Cluster and ESA Ambassador teams. Secure your spot today and come and spend a fantastic day with us with lunch included.
Sign up here.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
