Space South Central Newsletter🌎

Region’s 70-year space heritage in the spotlight

Space South Central is keeping the spotlight on space with the launch of 70 Years Shaping the Future of Space, a campaign highlighting South Central England’s remarkable heritage and contributions to the global space industry.

Space South Central unveiled a new webpage showcasing space milestones from 1955, when Isle of Wight company, Saunders Roe, Farnborough-based Royal Aircraft Establishment and UCL, began work on Britain’s first rocket programme. The project charts the evolution of a thriving regional space industry now worth in excess of £2 billion annually, comprising more than 200 businesses and employing around 14,000 people.

New Space Enterprise Lab Launches at UCL

A Space Enterprise Lab (SEL) has opened at UCL in IDEALondon, the innovation hub and workspace run by UCL Engineering and WilbeLAB, strengthening London’s role in space-enabled innovation and entrepreneurship. This launch marks a major step in continuing to connect the UK’s vibrant space and tech communities, as part of a joint initiative between UCL, the Satellite Applications Catapult, the UK Space Agency, and Space South Central.

SEL IDEALondon is the latest addition to the Catapult’s national network of 15 Space Enterprise Labs, which provide free access to state-of-the-art collaboration tools, virtual reality technology, and hybrid meeting facilities that enable innovators to solve global challenges by co-creating solutions using satellite data and space technology. This new location ensures that world-class support is accessible to entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses in London and beyond, bridging the innovation potential of London’s tech and academic communities with the opportunities of the national space sector.

Space South Central Students Win Big at the Sir Arthur Clarke Awards 

Company Spotlight: Space Logistics Network

In a world where rockets and satellites grab the headlines, the work of getting them safely from factory to launch pad is less glamorous but no less vital. Space Logistics Network is proving that without robust, compliant, and innovative logistics, the commercial space age simply can’t fly.

UK Space Agency goes global with 23 new projects

Black hole bombshell: scientists say supermassive giants not as big as first thought

Balloon launches 'new way' to track space weather

Oxford Space Systems and SSTL achieve major flight readiness milestone for CarbSAR and novel antenna ahead of in-orbit demo mission 

Oxford Space Systems (OSS) and Surrey Satellite Systems Limited (SSTL) announced the successful completion of the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) for SSTL’s CarbSAR in-Orbit Demonstration mission. The mission combines SSTL’s Carbonite platform with OSS’s innovative Wrapped Rib Antenna (WRA) to provide synthetic aperture radar Earth observation capability from a compact low Earth Orbit satellite platform. Achieving this critical milestone confirms the satellite and antenna have passed all qualification tests and the mission is ready for launch, which is scheduled for early 2026.

The design, manufacturing, and rigorous testing of the CarbSAR satellite and Wrapped Rib Antenna have been conducted in a joint collaboration between OSS and SSTL, with additional funding provided by the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and by Airbus Defence and Space.

Japan’s IHI expands constellation plans with SatVu thermal imaging partnership

Japan’s IHI is broadening its push to build a sovereign Earth observation constellation, partnering with SatVu to explore adding thermal imaging satellites alongside radar and other sensors already in the works.

“The IHI constellation is designed to allow it to grow over time,” said Yoshifumi Asakura, general manager of space systems business development for the Japanese aerospace manufacturer’s aero engine, space and defense unit.

“However, this initial plan is to have a constellation of 100 satellites, with a range of different sensors,” including optical, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), radio frequency, infrared, hyperspectral imaging and VDES, a ship-to-shore communications system that uses very high frequencies.

IHI is also partnering with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), which is building two more spacecraft for SatVu.

Talk, speak, workshop and present at the #VFS: Festival of Innovation

Fit4Space Survey

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!

ESA Proposal Advice Service

While we await details from ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CM25), happening this November, I thought it would be a good chance to highlight one of ESA Space Solutions' longest-running thematic calls:
Space4Rail - https://business.esa.int/funding/space4rail

Open for both Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects Space4Rail looks for innovative and sustainable applications/services:
1. Related to future control, command and signalling applications of the European Rail system;
2. Improving the performance and attractiveness of the railway, both for railway undertakings and end users.

Here is a spotlight on two portfolio projects from the Space South Central Area that have used the Space4Rail programme successfully.

SatLine
A feasibility study from Emsworth-based  RailSense Solutions Ltd to assess a data-cloud solution for continuous, real-time monitoring of rail track geometry. The service solves the critical issue of detecting temperature ‘hotspots’ and addressing rail track distortions and movements, which can compromise safety and efficiency. 
SatLine leverages space assets to provide unprecedented accuracy and coverage in rail track monitoring. This approach offers significant advantages over existing technologies by utilising GNSS and SatCom.
•    Ensuring precise localisation of track movements, enhancing the ability to pinpoint maintenance needs.
•    Utilising satellite communication for areas with limited cellular coverage, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission.
https://business.esa.int/projects/satline
 

Project LUCI (Land Use Change Identification for Rail) is a completed Demonstration Project by Airbus Defence and Space to provide land use change information for land adjacent to the UK rail network. Small to large-scale changes in the landscape adjacent to the network can have a large and potential dangerous effect on the railway and its users.

Project LUCI utilises SAR (synthetic aperture RADAR) and optical imagery to identify land use change.  Sentinel-1 is used as the primary SAR satellite, with Pléiades and Sentinel-2 as the primary optical satellites used.  Other optical satellites will be used where necessary to provide coverage.  The combination of a regular time series of data from Sentinel, to identify seasonal and broad scale change, and the high resolution of Pléiades, to give the level of detail required around the rail infrastructure, enables the project to develop machine learning models that can identify small scale changes over time.  Combining this approach with more traditional physical models allows a greater understanding of land use change.

Bioengineering in the Space Environment
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice

The primary objective of this Invitation to Tender is to support industry in assessing the potential of bioengineering in microgravity environments, addressing market requirements from various industries, including but not limited to pharmaceuticals, materials science, healthcare, food and nutrients, assessing the customer demand and developing value propositions that resonate with customers and are embedded in profitable business models.

This initiative centres on the advancement of bioengineering through the unique conditions offered by space, particularly the microgravity environment.

Read more here.

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UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice

UKI2S invests in innovations emerging from the UK’s publicly funded science and knowledge base. We specialise in engineering biology, defence & security, fusion energy, and space to facilitate sustainable growth, enhance the health and security of society, improve productivity, and deliver economic gains emerging from the UK's public funding portfolio.

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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Cyber security consultancy support, plus assessment and certification
 
Deadline: Open Until Further Notice
 
The threat to space is real and coming increasingly closer to the UK space industry, as attempted breaches have demonstrated. Demonstrating a commitment to security is critical to the ongoing success of any business. Ensuring secure, robust and recoverable services and services can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace and avoid unnecessary costly retrofitting.  
 
Successful applicants can receive up to 3 days consultation from a cybersecurity professional funded by the UK Space Agency. This can be virtual or at a place of business (UK), depending on requirements.
 
Read more here.
 
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Orbit South Central - November 2025

On Wednesday, 26th November 2025, 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 to connect key players in the UK space industry and provide 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: 

• Andy Carling from FMS
• A representative from Space Partnerships
• Ingo Waldman from Space Flux 

Sign up here. 

Global MilSatCom 2025

Defence Space Conference 2025

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.

Operating in the Future Electromagnetic Environment Symposium 2025

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.

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 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.