Dear Reader,
August may traditionally be a quieter month in the space sector, but at Space South Central, the pace has never dropped. From breakthrough engineering to national headlines, our region has stayed remarkably busy.
Most notably, the UK Space Agency has announced its transfer to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This landmark move promises greater alignment between policy and delivery, aiming to accelerate UK space ambitions. Clusters across the country are sharing their perspectives—see below for their reflections on how this change will shape the future.
Innovation remains front and center. Engineers at the University of Surrey are advancing the next generation of space solar panels in collaboration with leading universities from Australia and Korea, driving forward global partnerships and technology leaps.
To our west, there’s stellar news! Wholeship Ltd’s National Drone Hub has become the United Kingdom’s first Civil Aviation Authority-accredited test and evaluation site for drones, marking a milestone for autonomous flights and industry leadership.
From Space South Central, Earth-i’s FANTOM project is setting out to build a unique, UK-centric database brimming with high-resolution agriculture and biodiversity data—an essential boost for research and environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, cosmologists from the University of Portsmouth are pushing cosmic frontiers as part of an international team racing to unlock the mysteries of the “Cosmic Dawn,” strengthening the UK’s reputation as a global leader in pioneering science.
Finally, the UK Space Agency’s Frontiers programme, led by Professor Adam Amara, is shaping a long-term vision for national space science and innovation. The UK’s commitment to being at the vanguard of space research has never been clearer.
We also have plenty of news from the Space South Central community, as well as, our monthly update from our ESA Ambassador Elizabeth Clutton and all the latest events and funding.
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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UK space sector bolstered with government reforms to boost growth and cut red tape
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A message from the UK Space Clusters
You may have seen last weeks announcement regarding significant changes to the UK space sector’s administrative structure. The functions of the UK Space Agency will be transferred into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), with its work continuing within the department.
At this stage, there are no immediate implications for the clusters or our ongoing activities. We remain committed to our mission: supporting and promoting space innovation, economic growth, and collaboration across academia, industry, and government within our regions and across the UK as a collective. Our relationships with former UKSA teams, now transitioning to DSIT, will continue unchanged in the short term.
We will maintain close engagement with key stakeholders in DSIT, as well as our partner organisations, to ensure that the priorities of the Space South Central community are recognised and supported throughout this period of change.
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Surrey engineers develop 'cosmic veil' next-gen space solar panels
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Perovskite solar cells are a next-generation lightweight, low-cost solar technology that can be made more easily and last longer than traditional panels – but they are still vulnerable to damage in the harsh conditions of space.
Working with partners at Oxford University, the University of New South Wales in Australia, and institutions across South Korea – including Chungbuk National University, Gyeongsang National University and KRICT – researchers from Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute have created a thin protective coating using propane-1,3-diammonium iodide (PDAI₂).
The study has been published in the journal Joule.
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Cornwall’s National Drone Hub becomes UK's first CAA Accredited Test & Evaluation Site for Drones
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UK / Cornwall – WholeShip Ltd's National Drone Hub has become the UK's first Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accredited Test & Evaluation site for drones. The accreditation will dramatically reduce approval time for drone manufacturers to start testing their air systems.
The National Drone Hub provides facilities, expertise and access to over 8000km² of segregated airspace to support the rapid development of drones and associated technologies, making it one of the largest drone testing sites in Europe.
The facilities have been built by a Cornish SME WholeShip Limited and is operated in partnership with the Royal Navy. Situated on a 320-hectare MoD airfield with an ultra-low population density, the National Drone Hub is the UK’s leading location for next generation autonomous systems for civil and military use.
The CAA accreditation offers manufacturers and operators a streamlined pathway to test and validate their technologies in a controlled environment. Reduced approval times will enable faster progression from concept to commercial deployment, positioning the UK as a global leader in autonomous aviation.
The WholeShip team recently welcomed the Rt Hon Lord David Willetts and the Rt Hon Lord Hutton to the Hub in a visit that highlighted how the facility brings together industry, government and academia to drive innovation in autonomous aviation.
Celebrating WholeShip’s pivotal role in shaping the future of flight, Lord Willetts said, "WholeShip's National Drone Hub brings together Industry, Government, Academia and Regulators, providing a unique opportunity to inform regulatory change that keeps pace with technology and accelerates the adoption of autonomy in the UK.”
The Rt Hon Lord John Hutton, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, added: "WholeShip's National Drone Hub is a powerful example of how the UK can lead in emerging technologies through bold collaboration and forward-thinking regulation. By bringing together industry, academia, government and the regulator in one place, the Hub is accelerating real-world innovation while upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance."
The CAA accreditation reinforces the National Drone Hub's position as the cornerstone of the UK's autonomous aviation ecosystem, providing the critical infrastructure and expertise needed to advance the safe integration of drone technology into UK airspace.
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FANTOM project launches to support UK agriculture and environmental policy
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Earth-i’s FANTOM project will build a high spatial and temporal resolution UK-centric database of agriculture and biodiversity markers with rich information content. This will support environmental schemes aligned with the UK’s Agricultural Transition, and assist government policy implementations for Net Zero and biodiversity net gain.
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Probing the cosmic Dark Ages from the far side of the Moon
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Cosmologists from the University of Portsmouth are part of an international team which wants to unlock the secrets of the ‘Cosmic Dawn’, by sending a miniature spacecraft to listen out for an “ancient whisper” on the far side of the Moon.
The proposed mission will study the very early universe, right after the Big Bang, when it was still quite dark and empty before the first stars and galaxies appeared.
But to probe the cosmic ‘Dark Ages’, silence is essential. And Earth is a very ‘noisy’ place for radio signals, with interference from our atmosphere and all our electronics.
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UK Space Frontiers 2035: a strategic vision for the future of UK space science
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The Frontiers programme, led by the UK Space Agency’s Chief Scientist Professor Adam Amara, sets out to define the UK’s long-term vision for space science, positioning the nation as a global leader in the field.
UK Space Frontiers 2035 arrives at a pivotal moment, following the UK government's recognition of space as a ‘frontier industry’ in its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, an important component of the broader Industrial Strategy.
The initiative draws inspiration from the well-established US Decadal Survey model, aiming to build a UK-specific framework that is both community-led and scientifically robust.
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That’s a Wrap!
It’s with a heavy heart that I share the news that I will no longer be continuing in my role as the ESA BASS Ambassador. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Space Directorate—formerly known as the UK Space Agency—has decided to reduce the ambassador team from the fab five to two members.
While this inevitably means reduced direct support for UK businesses with innovative space-related ideas, I’m confident my exceptional colleagues, Grant and Ken, will continue to do a fantastic job supporting organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland.
As I wrap up my current three-year contract and reflect on what Lucia and I have accomplished, I’d like to share a few highlights:
- Supported over 300 companies
- Reviewed over 50 applications
- Helped 45 APQ applications reach submission, with a combined value of over €36.3 million
- Achieved a 54% success rate on applications accepted to outline proposal
We've attended numerous events throughout the South and South East, providing extensive, hands-on support—logging more than 500 business hours of 1:1 reviews with startups, SMEs, and larger enterprises alike.
As this BASS round comes to a close, I want to extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues at ESA and the UKSA for their unwavering support. The Business Applications team is a remarkable group, working tirelessly to promote space-enabled innovation, assess proposals, and guide businesses through what can be a complex process.
While the path may at times seem bureaucratic, I hope I’ve played a part in helping applicants navigate the ESA/UKSA system with clarity and confidence. I also hope the UK Government will recognise the impact of the BASS programme—delivering over a 10:1 return on investment—and consider preserving the original €60 million funding pot for future rounds. If we are to grow and retain talent in the UK space sector, sustained investment and innovation are essential.
What’s Next?
I’m pleased to share that I’ll be staying on with the Space South Central team. My new focus will be on fostering collaborative partnerships between key SSC universities: Portsmouth, Southampton, Surrey, and UCL. I look forward to continuing our work together and seeing many of you at our monthly Orbit meetings and upcoming conferences.
Need Support?
For ongoing ESA BASS support, please reach out to:
Thank you again for all your collaboration and support over the past three years—it’s been a pleasure working with you.
Dr Elizabeth Clutton - ESA BASS Ambassador (2022–2025)
Current ESA themed calls;
Closing soon Enhancing Port Safety and Efficiency through Space
Ports face various challenges, including congestion, infrastructure limitations, safety and security, digitalisation, connectivity and environmental concerns. These challenges can lead to delays, disruptions, and increased costs. Ports worldwide are increasingly implementing policies and strategies that enhance the efficiency, safety and security of their operations, recognising the added value offered by digitalisation and related technologies.
Innovative solutions which enhance marine environment monitoring, improve operational efficiency, and bolster safety and security measures are required. These solutions will rely on seamless connectivity within the port digital ecosystem and will seek to integrate he diverse platforms and vehicles into a cohesive system.
Topics of Relevance
The following topics are examples of relevant themes that could be addressed within this Call for Proposals. Other topics can also be proposed if supported by the user community.
- Port safety
- Port Security
- Port Automation
- Movement of passengers
- Movement of Goods
ESA will co-fund 50% of the acceptable cost, up to €500K for feasibility study or, €5M for a Demonstration project, per awarded study.
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Coastal resilience to climate change
Please sign up for the webinar online to find out more about this upcoming call.
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites companies to participate in the Coastal Resilience to Climate Change initiative. This opportunity aims to support the development of innovative services that leverage space technology to address the challenges posed by climate change to coastal cities, rural coastal regions, and ports.
Topics of relevance
Here are some examples of potential services that could be developed under this initiative:
- Monitoring and Early Warning Systems
- Monitoring Coastal Erosion and Sea-Level Rise
- Water and Ecosystem Management
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- Urban and Infrastructure Planning
- Adapting Coastal Agriculture
- Disaster Response and Recovery
- Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
- Port Solutions
- Tourism
- Insurance
- Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD
ESA will co-fund 50% of the acceptable cost, up to €500K for feasibility study or, €5M for a Demonstration project, per awarded study.
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Coming Soon!
Space for Underwater Radiated Noise Management
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For funding visit ESA Business Funding. If you’re interested in the ESA BASS open call, please see Direct Negotiation.
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EarthScale
Deadline: Sunday, 7th September 2025
A new UK-wide 12-month programme supporting IP-rich climate tech startups and spinouts scale to commercialisation.
EarthScale brings together a powerhouse network of regional hubs, building a connected, long-term ecosystem for scaling the UK’s most promising climate tech ventures.
Read more here.
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Canada-UK NetworkPlus in semiconductor research
Deadline: Wednesday, 10th September 2025
Apply for funding to build a Canada-UK academic NetworkPlus in semiconductor research, share expertise in areas of joint interest, and seed future projects. Focus on joint research and development strengths in compound semiconductors, photonics, NEMS/MEMS, advanced packaging, and chip design.
Funding for this activity is unilateral. It will develop a roadmap and vision for a longer-term, larger-scale Canada-UK initiative in semiconductors.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,125,000. EPSRC will fund £900,000 (80% FEC).
Read more here.
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Horizon Europe 2025 work programme Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space
Deadline: Thursday, 2nd October 2025
The European Commission has pre-published all of the 2025 Horizon Europe Work Programmes, which list the funding opportunities under the 2025 call topics.
No matter your field – whether you’re a business, university, research institute, charity, or not-for-profit – you could be eligible to apply for Horizon Europe funding to advance your cutting-edge research and innovation, fostering lasting impact and meaningful change.
Read more here.
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Horizon Europe 2025: European Innovation Council
Deadline: Wednesday, 29th October 2025
Funding opportunities worth over €1.4 billion for strategic technologies and scaling up companies.
The EIC work programme 2025 offers funding in four main schemes:
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EIC Pathfinder (€120 million) for multidisciplinary research teams to undertake visionary research with the potential to lead to technology breakthroughs (grants up to €4 million). Pathfinder Challenges are open to single SMEs or consortia.
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EIC Transition (€98 million) to turn research results into innovation opportunities, following up on results generated by EIC Pathfinder projects, European Research Council Proof of Concept projects and open to project results from Horizon collaborative projects from Pillar 2/societal challenges (grants up to €2.5 million).
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EIC Accelerator (€634 million) for start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones (grants below €2.5 million, investments from €0.5 to €10 million – UK companies can apply for grant-only of this scheme).
Read more here.
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Space for Metaverse
Deadline: Friday, 14th November 2025
In recent years, the metaverse has triggered the development of several applications/services appealing to both consumers and businesses in different sectors. For example, companies are adding the metaverse to their marketing mix to offer their customers an unprecedented experience. In the metaverse, every asset, process, or person can be replicated virtually and connected, meaning that nearly every aspect of the physical world can take place digitally. Building virtual replicas of physical settings and objects in a metaverse that generate data in real-time allows the generation of far richer analyses, which enable improved decision-making.
75% funding by the European Space Agency up to €75,000 for each selected activity. These activities will establish commercial services integrating metaverse elements with space technologies into existing/new services and applications.
Read more here.
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Orbit South Central - September 2025
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On September 10th 2025, Space South Central will be hosting our monthly networking event, Orbit South Central at Surrey Space Centre.
The event was 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. It’s also a chance to hear the latest news, and funding opportunities whilst listening to experts across the sector share their thoughts and ideas.
Speakers include:
Grab your tickets here.
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Orbit South Central - October 2025
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On Wednesday 22nd October 2025, Space South Central is delighted to host our monthly networking event, Orbit South Central at IDEALondon.
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.
Whether you're an academic, an industry pro, or just passionate about the cosmos, this is an unmissable opportunity to join the conversation and collaborate on the future of UK space.
Sign up here.
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CySpace CCN UK Cyber and Space Domain Awareness Capability Mapping Workshops
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ESA Bid Writing Workshop - London
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During the session, participants will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of ESA ITTs. They will learn to dissect and comprehend an example ESA Statement of Work and, more importantly, how to craft a compelling proposal that addresses it. With guidance from an experienced ESA instructor, participants will have the opportunity to consider an example proposal and the main aspects that would be assessed by an ESA Tender Evaluation Board (TEB).
This comprehensive experience will equip participants with a solid understanding of navigating the ESA ITT process successfully. They will learn to identify all the necessary elements expected in an ESA proposal and, equally important, how to avoid common pitfalls that may arise.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will possess core skills essential for crafting responses to future ESA ITTs. We hope this will be an informative, enjoyable event, and we look forward to meeting you there.
Sign up here.
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Satellite Ground Segment Conference (SSGS)
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The Satellite industry’s only exclusively Ground Segment-focused conference and exhibition returns to London in October (8th and 9th). Organisers Satellite Evolution Group and TalkSatellite are inviting companies and organisations from Space South Central to get involved.
The inaugural Strategies in Satellite Ground Segment conference (SSGS), was held in London last September and was a resounding success, drawing industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders from across the satellite communications sector. The conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in satellite ground segment technologies. Companies and organisations involved included the Ministry of Defence, Airbus, the European Defence Agency, the European Space Agency, UK Space Agency the GSMA and many more.
SSGS is happy to hear and invite either individual Space South Central members or groups of companies wanting to become involved. Speaking submissions or panel suggestions are welcome and in addition to cost-effective exhibition stand prices, there are a range of sponsorship offerings.
Visit https://www.ssgsconference.com for more information.
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The Connections UK mission is 'to advance and preserve the art, science and application of wargaming' and this year's Conference will introduce a diverse range of themes including innovation & best practice, resilience, historical wargaming, research, military education and much more - details here.
Grab your tickets here.
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DSTL Searchlight SME Showcase
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The Searchlight SME Showcase will take place at Porton Science Park, Porton Down, Wiltshire on Wed 24th September, 1000 – 1500hrs. The event provides an excellent opportunity to explore innovative solutions and network with a diverse range of suppliers, from S&T industries and non-traditional Defence providers to Government partners. The event is designed to promote technology transfer, drive collaboration, and introduce new suppliers who can contribute to science and technology. The event is sponsored by Dstl and supported by Porton Science Park & UK Health Security Agency. Registration: You must register to attend by 23rd September.
Register your interest here.
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Operating in the Future Electromagnetic Environment Symposium 2025
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The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) hosts its sixth Operating in the Future Electromagnetic Environment (OFEME) symposium from 18th to 20th November 2025 in Newport, Wales. The event, supported by the Electromagnetic Environment (EME) Hub, is designed as an in-person event, but there will be options to join virtually if you are unable to join us in Wales.
Pre-register for this event: You must pre-register your interest online if you would like to attend this symposium, by Friday 3rd October 2025. You will then receive a link to complete the symposium delegate registration process.
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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 14 Space Enterprise Labs across the UK, this facility in Guildford provides 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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