The joint plan, unveiled during the Farnborough International Airshow, includes strengthening work on the centre's 5G/6G hub with a focus on satellite telecommunications and the wider applications of satellite services, which already support around £360 billion of UK GDP.
The space agencies will explore the potential for a space quantum technologies laboratory and the further development of activities related to in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing - vital for improving sustainability, prolonging the lifetime of satellites in orbit, and delivering new services to businesses and citizens.
The UK Space Agency has also announced five new projects, worth £2.1 million, to help tackle key skills gaps identified by the UK space industry. The funding will boost the availability of training programmes, courses and other learning interventions that can break down barriers to opportunities within this fast-growing, high-tech sector.
The projects will be led by the universities of Edinburgh, Leicester and Portsmouth, the Royal Institute of Navigation, and Plastron Training, a specialist provider of training services focused on safety in the commercial space sector.
UK Space Agency CEO Dr Paul Bate said:
As a founding member of the European Space Agency, UK scientists and engineers contribute to global scientific and commercial space endeavors, furthering human knowledge and bringing the benefits of space technologies to citizens on Earth.
Together with ESA, we believe there is vast potential to build on the success of the ECSAT facility in Harwell, to support even more businesses, accelerate the development of new technologies and take advantage of the UK's wider strengths in science and innovation.
As space is a growing industry, we are also taking concrete steps to improve the availability of dedicated training programmes, which will help address skills gaps identified by the sector.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said:
ECSAT is ESA's home in the UK and a vital facility for Europe's overall space ambitions. Together with the UK Space Agency we want to build on ECSAT's leadership role in commercial space applications and telecommunications, push forward new initiatives in high-growth areas, deliver better services to all European citizens, and grow our UK workforce to 200 people by 2030.
I've enjoyed spending time at Farnborough this week and meeting with so many of our current, and potential future, partners who we will work with to make this shared vision a reality."
Notes
ECSAT
ESA's European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) at Harwell is the headquarters of ESA's Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. It also supports work on commercialisation, Earth observation, human and robotic exploration and space technology. It is the home of ESA's Moonlight programme, the flagship 5G/6G hub and the ESA Climate Office.
UK Space Agency Training Programme - project details
Fundamentals of Sustainable Space Engineering, Law, and Operations (FSSELO): £450,000
Led by the University of Leicester, in partnership with Alden Legal and Meridian Space Command.
If you've ever dreamed of working in the thriving space sector, the University of Leicester can put you on the launchpad to a thrilling new career thanks to UK Space Agency funding. Whether creating your own company, joining an SME or preparing for a role in a multi-national space business - the University, alongside partners Alden Legal and Meridian Space Command, are offering a primer for those seeking new careers in the industry. Fundamentals of Sustainable Space Engineering, Law and Operations is a flexible professional development course which provides learners with a clear understanding of the science, engineering, regulation and applications of space missions, and the international factors which drive space activities. Offering up to seven weeks of accredited training, the course is delivered at Space Park Leicester, the University's pioneering £100 million science and innovation park, and delivered by a team who are internationally respected in the sector.
Securing the Future of Space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD course: £350,000
Led by the University of Portsmouth, in partnership with the University of Southampton, the University of Surrey, and Space South Central.
This course addresses skills gaps in the Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 around software, data and artificial intelligence (AI). It has been co-created to enable space sector companies to strategically navigate rapidly changing fields of AI and data-science. The course is a regional initiative of the Space South Central partnership of universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey with their rich heritage in space. It leverages Space South Central's cluster expertise and industry insight of Orange Tree Ltd. Addressing both retention and recruitment at mid-career level in the space sector, it delivers breadth of understanding, strategic knowledge on space sector bids, professional development and bespoke skills development in algorithms and software. Whether a space sector company looking to upskill your employees or an individual from any sector seeking training to take the next exciting step in your career.
