Dear Reader,
Excitement is sky-high in Space South Central! The UK and Taiwan have unleashed a ground-breaking international partnership as the University of Surrey teams up with Taiwan’s National Central University to advance space science and technology. This strategic alliance isn’t just a handshake—it’s a mission to spark real-world innovation, spanning shared space radiation data, hands-on hardware collaborations, and joint development of the resilient infrastructure needed for tomorrow’s space economy. Together, this partnership will give students genuine live mission opportunities, turbo-charging the skills pipeline for a rapidly expanding global space sector.
The cosmic celebrations don’t stop there! The University of Portsmouth is set to light up World Space Week 2025, running October 4th to 10th. Get ready for a stellar line-up. Astronomers, cosmologists, and physicists from Portsmouth are joining forces with Space South Central, the Wight Aviation Museum, Plextek, and Airbus. Together, they’ll host a fantastic series of public events designed to inspire, educate, and connect everyone with the wonders of space.
Meanwhile, astronomers at the University of Surrey have achieved what stargazers have dreamed about for centuries: through the power of advanced simulations, they’ve cracked open a cosmic enigma, discovering an entirely new class of ancient star systems!
But there’s more—the cosmos just got even hungrier! An international research team, which includes the University of Southampton’s star sleuths, has witnessed a wild phenomenon: a ravenous star devouring its cosmic twin at a pace no astronomer has ever recorded. It’s a thrilling reminder that our universe still holds plenty of cosmic surprises, and Space South Central is right at the heart of these discoveries
We also have plenty of news from the Space South Central community, as well as, our monthly update from the UK ESA Ambassador, Grant Day, 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 and Taiwan to forge space partnership, with universities teaming up to give students real-world mission experience
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The University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and National Central University (NCU), Taiwan, have announced plans to work together on a broad programme of potential collaborations, identifying areas for future work, including the sharing of space radiation data, collaboration on the design of future instruments to measure it, and the development of resilient space infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding will see the two universities work together to build opportunities for students to work on live missions and space hardware. Providing practical experience for students will strengthen technical expertise and help tackle the global skills shortage affecting the global space industry.
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Company Spotlight: NKT Photonics – Lighting the way to deep space
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From its origins, which can be traced back to a university spin-out to its role in pioneering deep space communications, NKT Photonics has built a well-established reputation in the laser technology landscape. Founded as Fianium, established by one of the founders of SPI Lasers (a University of Southampton spin-out company), the company has evolved through acquisition, first by Danish firm NKT Photonics and more recently by Japanese photonics leader Hamamatsu.
Today, its UK operation in Hamble, located on England’s South Coast, is focused on developing high-powered fibre lasers that are used in both terrestrial industries and emerging space applications.
With a growing portfolio of space-related projects and an ambition to expand its capabilities, the company is positioning itself as a key contributor to the future of space communications and quantum technologies.
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University celebrates World Space Week in Portsmouth
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Anyone who is fascinated by the Universe, curious about how black holes are identified, or interested in rockets and satellites will want to know about what’s happening in Portsmouth and Gosport for World Space Week (4-10 October).
Astronomers, cosmologists and physicists from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation have teamed up with partners Space South Central, The Wight Aviation Museum, satellites and space technology company Plextek, and Airbus, to host a series of events across the week to celebrate science and technology’s role in space exploration and understanding.
Events in the programme include:
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Hands-on space themed activities at Gosport Discovery Centre including a digital space trail in search of rockets
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An evening with experts from the University’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation where people can find out about how the discovery of gravitational waves led on to the detection of black hole collisions among other findings
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Workshops and activities for schools held at Portsmouth Guildhall and led by the University’s space scientists and some of the leading space industry companies in the south
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A special screening of Moon (Certificate 15) by No.6 Cinema in Eldon Building with a panel discussion exploring the themes and ideas raised by the movie with leading experts from the University of Portsmouth
- Aspex Portsmouth is hosting a family workshop exploring collage making and techniques with local artist duo the Cut-up Club, and a talk on how art and science boost each other
Visit the University of Portsmouth’s website for the full schedule of events.
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Simulations solve centuries-old cosmic mystery – and discover new class of ancient star systems
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For centuries, astronomers have puzzled over the origins of one of the universe’s oldest and densest stellar systems, known as globular clusters. Now, a University of Surrey-led study published in Nature has finally solved the mystery using detailed simulations – while also uncovering a new class of object that could already be in our own galaxy.
Globular clusters are dense collections of hundreds of thousands to millions of stars found orbiting around galaxies, including the Milky Way. Unlike galaxies, they show no evidence of dark matter, and their stars are unusually uniform in age and chemical composition – traits that have left scientists debating their formation since their discovery in the 17th century.
Surrey researchers used ultra-high-resolution simulations that can trace the Universe’s 13.8-billion-year history in unprecedented detail, allowing them to watch globular clusters form in real-time within their virtual cosmos, called EDGE. The simulations find multiple pathways for their creation and, unexpectedly, the emergence of a new class of star system – “globular cluster-like dwarfs” – that sits between globular clusters and dwarf galaxies in terms of their properties.
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Hungry star is eating its cosmic twin at rate never seen before
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A greedy white dwarf star not far from Earth is devouring its closest celestial companion at a rate never seen before, space scientists have discovered.
Their study found the double star, named V Sagittae, is burning unusually bright as the super-dense white dwarf is gorging on its larger twin in a feeding frenzy.
Experts think the stars are locked in an extraterrestrial tango as they orbit each other every 12.3 hours, gradually pulling each other closer.
They say it could cause a massive explosion so bright it would be seen by the naked eye from Earth, some 10,000 lightyears away.
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Talk, speak, workshop and present at the #VFS: Festival of Innovation
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Play your part at the next #VFS: Festival of Innovation and share your story.
Venturefest South welcomes applications from speakers, workshop facilitators and speaker session leaders to inspire, entertain and delight our delegates on the day. So, if you’ve got something to say, get in touch using the form and let them know what you want to talk about and why they should give you a platform.
Whether you're keen to deliver a talk, join a panel or demo something new, this is a brilliant opportunity to raise your profile, showcase your work and connect with the South’s vibrant innovation community.
This year, they are centring the event around five key innovation clusters. If your work fits into one of these, they'd love to hear from you:
- Marine & Maritime
- Creative Industries & Gaming
- Life Sciences
- Defence, Security & Space
- Sustainability
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UK Industrial Capability Assessment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD)
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The UKDSC is conducting a UK Industrial Capability Assessment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) on behalf of UKMOD. The purpose of the survey is to identify UK industrial strengths and challenges to help inform options and make/collaborate/buy (own/collaborate/access) decisions for anticipated future IAMD investments. The insights from Space South Central members will be of utmost value in supporting the UK on its mission to enhance its IAMD posture over the coming years.
The survey went live in time for DSEi on 09/09/2025 and will remain open until 05/10/2025. The link to the survey is: https://forms.office.com/e/X89rxM6nGn
In return for their time supporting this activity, participants will receive a full copy of the delivered report, as well as the opportunity to signpost organisations’ capabilities to MOD. If you or members have any further questions, please contact [email protected].
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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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Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP)
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We’re pleased to invite you to participate in the Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP) – a new opportunity to accelerate innovation and commercialisation in the UK space sector.
SECP is a £1.4 million R&D programme part-funded by the UK Space Agency, designed to help innovative smaller companies develop new capabilities and unlock commercial opportunities in space. The programme is being delivered across six regional clusters, led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, and is designed to support companies with expert guidance and funding access.
Companies can apply for Sprint R&D Projects and receive grants of up to £30,000, at a 40% intervention rate. These are rapid development grants, intended to support short-term, high-impact projects that must be completed by February 2026. Projects must align with one or more UK Space Agency priorities:
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Space Domain Awareness
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In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing
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Launch
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Position, Navigation and Timing
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Earth Observation
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Space Data Architecture
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Science and Exploration
In addition, proposals must reflect local cluster priorities and be supported by your regional space cluster. We strongly encourage immediate engagement with your local cluster to discuss potential project ideas and ensure alignment with both national and regional objectives.
The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is 31st October 2025. The applications are being reviewed weekly, so get your application in early to avoid missing out.
For more information or to discuss your project idea, please contact Daniel Smith at [email protected].
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UK Regional Ambassador: Grant Day
Hello, this is a short contribution to the Space South Central newsletter to introduce myself. I am pleased to contribute as I have very fond memories of my time working with the space sector in the SSC region having previously enjoyed working for University of Portsmouth, University of Surrey and the Space South Central’s precursor The South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications. It is great to see the cluster going from strength to strength.
I am one of two UK Ambassadors and began my role as Ambassador in 2022 with a background in Technology Transfer holding an extensive portfolio of innovation and commercialisation projects in cybersecurity, autonomous transport and industrial applications of data science.
In this current phase of the Ambassador programme prioritisation has been set in alignment with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy (2025). Focus applied to the Growth Sectors and Frontier Industries where space-derived data, and smart use of that data, can play a meaningful role, namely:
- Clean Energy Industries
- Financial Services
- Clean Transport (aerospace, automotive, maritime & rail)
- Agri-tech
- Medical Technologies
As a start I wanted to highlight a couple of Kick-start Activities that could be intriguing to Space South Central community members. Kick-Starts are shorter 6 month 75% funded by ESA up to a maximum of €75K (total project size €100k) per contract designed to allow you to test an idea that can lead on to bigger opportunities:
I am also hosting a workshop in the region on 8th October at UCL in London to inform and prepare attendees for coming ESA Space Solutions Invitation to Tender Green Hydrogen As a Sustainable Energy Source, and would love to see anyone interested in the topic there.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/green-hydrogen-as-a-sustainable-energy-source-workshop-tickets-1668775706059?aff=oddtdtcreator
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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Future of Retail
Deadline: Wednesday, 1st October 2025
Future of Retail is an opportunity for businesses to submit proposals to develop innovative services that leverage space technology for the benefit of the retail sector.
Selected projects can access 75% funding by the European Space Agency, up to €75,000 per activity.
Read more here.
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Horizon Europe 2025 work programme Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space
Deadline: Thursday, 2nd October 2025
The overarching vision behind the proposed investments under Cluster 4 is that of Europe shaping competitive and trusted technologies for a European industry with global leadership in key areas, enabling production and consumption to respect the boundaries of our planet, and maximising the benefits for all parts of society in the variety of social, economic and territorial contexts in Europe.
Topics available under Horizon Europe's Cluster 4 programme for 2025/26, with up to €75m available for the largest single projects.
Read more here.
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Space for monitoring hazardous materials
Deadline: Thursday, 10th October 2025
The Space for Monitoring Hazardous Materials opportunity focuses on supporting innovative space-enabled applications for hazardous materials management.
This includes identifying contaminated sites, monitoring toxic material degradation and providing predictive insights for proactive remediation efforts. The initiative aims to address regulatory mandates and health concerns by leveraging advanced monitoring technologies.
Read more here.
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Horizon Europe 2025: European Innovation Ecosystems
Deadline: Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Funding to create innovation ecosystems that support the scaling of companies and spur innovation across the EU, with up to €8m per project.
The European Innovation Ecosystems work programme aims to create and expand more connected, inclusive, and efficient innovation ecosystems that support the scaling of companies and spur innovation.
Read more here.
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Made Smarter
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice
The "Made Smarter" program offers funding and support to UK manufacturers, particularly SMEs, to help them adopt digital technologies and improve their operations. This includes match-funded grants of up to 50% (with a maximum of £20,000) for equipment and/or advice to implement projects, as well as access to digital technology advice and workforce development
Read more 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.
Speakers include:
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Connect, Learn, and Shape the Future of MilSatCom.
Now in its 27th year, Global MilSatCom is the definitive event for military satellite communications, bringing together 1,000+ senior military, government, and industry leaders from 45+ nations.
Renowned for its unmatched military participation, the conference delivers future-focused content, trusted insights, and strategic dialogue at the highest level.
With access to 100+ expert speakers, this is your platform to gain critical knowledge, influence real-world capability development, expand your global network, and showcase your solutions to those shaping the future of defence and space.
Find out more here.
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Defence Space Conference 2025
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UK Space Command’s Defence Space Conference is the leading platform for all those who seek to influence and play a role in the development and operation of the UK’s military space capabilities.
The Defence Space Conference brings together senior UK military and government officials, space commanders from international partners and allies, and leaders in disruptive technologies. It’s the UK’s primary event for sharing strategic plans, operational capability targets, and programme delivery milestones for the space domain. It also facilitates dialogue and deepens UK defence’s relationships with partners across government, the space industrial sector, international partners and academia.
Find our more 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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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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