Lockheed Martin and Northumbria University partner to grow North East space economy

A global aerospace firm has launched a £150,000 energy endeavour with a North East education provider.

Lockheed Martin is working with Northumbria University to accelerate the development of space-based solar power.

Officials say the project will use photovoltaic cells to collect and convert laser power into energy for space and lunar vehicles.

With potential to deliver a consistent source of clean energy in all weathers and times of the day, they also say the venture could beam electricity wirelessly from space to earth.

Paul Livingston, chief executive at Lockheed Martin UK – which last year revealed plans that could bring a 2300-job factory to the region – said: “We are delighted to be helping grow the North East’s space economy and the overall industrial capacity and resilience of the UK’s space and manufacturing sectors.”

The collaboration builds on an existing relationship with Northumbria University, with the project an extension of a partnership announced last year that has seen Lockheed Martin invest more than £600,000 in skills development, research and technology across the North East.

Professor John Woodward, the university’s faculty pro vice-chancellor for engineering and environment, added: “This exciting project will enable us to innovate further to find new ways to generate and store renewable energy.”