North East space conference highlights future success

The North East’s important role in the future of the UK space industry was highlighted at a recent conference in the region.

More than 200 people from across the globe gathered for the North East Space Conference, which showcased the growth in the sector and highlighted the exciting work already taking place in the region and beyond.

It was the tenth year the conference – organised by Space North East England – had been held in the region, with international experts, academics and those at the forefront of driving the space agenda all taking part.

Topics discussed included the changing opportunities for the sector in the region, as well as a look at what the growth of the space industry means to local universities.

The conference – sponsored by Lockheed Martin, North East Technology Park (NETPark), Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Orbex – also highlighted the work being done on creating an ecosystem for outer space and outlined the changing business opportunities.

Among those taking part were David Parker, of the European Space Agency’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications, and John Bone, chair of the North East Space Leadership Group.

John says: “The conference clearly showed the significant progress and collaborative efforts within the UK space industry.

“The North East is playing an essential role in this development.

“The insights and innovations shared highlight our region’s contribution to the national space agenda.

“With the support of our partners and the expertise from academia and industry, we are building a promising future for the space sector in the North East.”

Representatives from a range of companies involved in the industry, including Lockhead Martin, Orbit Fab, Orbex, Jacobs and 3S Northumbria, were also involved in a number of presentations and panel discussions.

Nik Smith, Lockheed Martin Space’s regional director, says the company was delighted to have taken part in the conference.

He adds: “It was an opportunity for us to show our ongoing commitment to the UK space industry, and to broaden that industry across the UK, in particular in the North East.

“As part of that commitment, we have partnered with Northumbria University and the UK Space Agency, and have invested £15 million to help build the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, a £50 million project.

“Working together, the plan is to create a hub for space technology, provide a range of opportunities and the chance to learn relevant skills to an area of the UK where it will have a significant and positive economic impact.”

Among the subjects discussed on the day were space and sustainability, the changing business opportunities in the space sector and the North East, and the role universities in the region will play in the growth of the space industry.

Professor Clive Roberts, Durham University executive dean (science), says: “Supporting the North East space sector is essential for regional growth and innovation.

“Collaboration is at the heart of our space research, and we work with local, national and international businesses, government organisations and the third sector to position them at the forefront of innovation through joint research, consultancy, skills development and access to our cutting-edge equipment and facilities.

“By linking our world-leading research, impactful partnerships and industry-relevant training, we’re focusing on a holistic understanding of space and its broader societal, ethical and environmental impacts to ensure a sustainable future in space.”

 

Pictured above, left to right: John Bone, North East Space Leadership Group chair; Elaine Scott, Business Durham cluster manager; Nik Smith, Lockheed Martin Space regional director; and Professor Clive Roberts, Durham University executive dean (science)

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