Contents
Overview
Space North is a unique collaborative partnership between Space Hub Yorkshire, Space North East England, and the North West Space Cluster to showcase the region’s resilient communications expertise, attract inward investment and boost research and collaboration. Together they represent over 280 space-related organisations, including companies, research institutions, and government bodies.
Space North is dedicated to fostering innovation and growth in the resilient communications sector. This sector focuses on maintaining and recovering communication systems during disruptions, such as natural disasters or cyber-attacks. Space North leverages the North of England’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity, optical communications, and environmental technologies to advance space-related technologies and applications.
This collaboration is centred in the North of England, and covers a population of 15.7m
The initiative aims to showcase the North of England’s capabilities in space technology, attract investment, and boost research and collaboration in resilient communications. This effort aligns with broader national strategies to position the UK as a leader in the global space economy, enhancing economic growth, job generation, and technological innovation.
Space North was established following a successful UK-Australia Space Bridge program, which demonstrated the potential for regional clusters to collaborate and create a unique partnership. This collaboration is ongoing and aims to catalyse further investment and growth in the space sector.
We aim to unite private industry, academia, and government organisations to develop and promote resilient communication technologies. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investment, and a focus of international collaboration, the Space North initiative supports the development of a thriving regional space ecosystem.
Space North represents a significant step forward in establishing the North of England as a hub for space innovation. By combining the strengths of regional space clusters, Space North aims to drive technological advancements, attract investment, and create high-value jobs, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance in the UK’s space industry. Ultimately, Space North is set to play a vital role in positioning the UK as a global leader in space technology and resilient communication systems.
Objectives
Connect the North’s Existing Space Industry and Encourage Collaboration
Fostering connections within the North’s space industry and promoting cooperation will help expand the region’s share in both national and international markets. This includes creating synergies between different stakeholders and facilitating partnerships that drive growth and innovation.
Promote Awareness of the North of England’s Space Sector
This objective will lead to increased visibility and recognition of one of the UK’s most innovative, high-skill, value-adding sectors among businesses, media, public bodies, and research institutions in the North of England.
Serve as the Central Hub for the Emerging Space Industry
Acting as the focal point for the emerging space industry across the North, this initiative aims to facilitate job creation and economic growth. By centralizing efforts and resources, it will support the development of a robust space industry ecosystem in the region.
Enable Business Diversification into the Space Industry
Supporting new and existing businesses to diversify into the space industry will create opportunities for growth and innovation. By providing the necessary resources and guidance, businesses can explore new ventures within the space sector, contributing to the overall development of the region.
Highlight the North of England’s Capabilities to the Space Industry
Promoting the North of England’s capabilities and expertise to the wider national and international space industry will position the region as a key player in the space sector. This includes showcasing the region’s strengths and achievements to attract investment and collaboration.
KEY COMPONENTS
Research & Development Investments:
Space North emphasizes investment in research and development to drive innovation and enhance capabilities within the space sector. Initiatives such as the UK’s inaugural CubeSat mission and contracts secured by companies like Filtronic underscore the commitment to advancing space technology and exploration.
Infrastructure Development:
Strategic investments in facilities and technology infrastructure are essential for long-term development in resilient communication capabilities. Partnerships with organizations like the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation and collaborations with industry giants like BAE Systems and IBM further bolster infrastructure and technology advancements.
Capability Mapping:
A comprehensive mapping exercise across the three cluster regions provides insights into the state of the resilient communications industry in North England. By engaging partner clusters and key regional stakeholders, Space North aims to compile a unified database of regional expertise and capabilities, facilitating collaboration and investment opportunities.
Investment Proposition:
Based on the findings from the capability mapping phase, Space North develops a compelling investment proposition highlighting the region’s strengths and opportunities in resilient communication technology. This proposition serves as a cornerstone for attracting investment and fostering economic growth.
National and International Partnerships:
Collaborations with local authorities and international partners create opportunities for innovation, investment, and technology exchange. Space North leverages partnerships with global space companies and participation in trade missions to showcase regional strengths and attract foreign investments.
Investment Network:
Through a series of network events, Space North aims to attract investors, stakeholders, and businesses while raising awareness of investment opportunities in the region. These events serve as platforms for showcasing capabilities, fostering collaborations, and driving investment in resilient communication technology.
Space North Investment Report
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Capabilities
To read in depth about Space North’s Capabilities, please read our 2024 report here
Space North brings together a diverse range of capabilities across the North of England to advance the space sector, with a particular focus on resilient communications and innovative space technologies. Our capabilities include:
Resilient Communications:
Space North is a leader in resilient communication technologies, ensuring secure and uninterrupted communication systems for both space-based and terrestrial applications. Our work includes developing advanced satellite communication technologies, cyber-resilience strategies, and next-generation communication networks.
Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics:
The North of England boasts a strong tradition in advanced manufacturing and robotics. Our region is home to world-class manufacturers who are developing lightweight materials, additive manufacturing techniques, and robotic systems that enhance the production of satellites, space vehicles, and other critical components.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection:
Space North focuses on the critical need for cybersecurity within the space sector. Our clusters work on cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, protecting data and infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, and developing secure communication protocols for space assets.
Optical and Quantum Communication:
The region is pioneering research in optical and quantum communication, exploring new ways to transmit data securely and efficiently in space. These technologies promise to revolutioniSe satellite communication, offering high-speed, low-latency data transmission methods for various applications.
Environmental and Earth Observation Technologies:
Our collaboration also leverages the region’s expertise in environmental science and monitoring. We support the development of Earth observation technologies that provide crucial data for climate monitoring, natural disaster management, and sustainable development.
Collaboration and Innovation Networks:
Space North fosters an environment of collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Our innovation networks bring together diverse stakeholders to develop new technologies, create unique market opportunities, and ensure that the North of England remains a key player in the global space economy.
About the Team
Space North is a collaboration between Space Hub Yorkshire, Space North East England, and the North West Space cluster. each cluster shares the same ethos to build a world-class space ecosystem, establishing the north of England in the national and international space industry.
These are our Space North Team members at SHY
Core Members
Alan Cross
Alan the North West Space Cluster Development Manager. Developing a robust, sustainable Space ecosystem across Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, and Cheshire.
Elaine Scott
Elaine leads on the delivery of support activities and development of the North East’s space ecosystem to help grow the region’s economy. Previously run under the name – North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence which was funded by the SA Catapult and UK Space Agency – SNEE stimulates the space sector and builds a community that thrives in the North East by working alongside businesses, academia, RTOs, investors and other agencies.
Kelvin Shek
Kelvin the Cluster Development Manager for SHY. Kelvin Facilitates collaboration between local governance organizations, universities, and businesses, fostering their involvement in the space cluster and promoting their capabilities to the SHY network. Develop and promote an inward investment strategy for the Yorkshire region, attracting space-related businesses and supporting local companies to scale up.
Space North Capabilities Report
More Information
The Space North area is home to a wide range of companies and organisations involved in growing the space sector. These range from newer companies such as Inotech Solutions through to more established companies such as MDA, Filtronic, Kratos, and Telespazio.
It also includes universities which help drive forward research and innovation. Examples of what these organisations deliver include Satixfy which in 2023 sold its space services arm to MDA, which have since gone on to win major contract awards such as for the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. Filtronic have been pioneering the use of high frequency wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum (commonly referred to as Q/V bands) which are now becoming available for commercial use. Developing the technologies needed to access these wavelengths is highly specialised and with support through the UK Space Agency and ESA, Filtronic are emerging as leaders in this field.
Space North
For more information about how Space North and the opportunities within our resilient communications industry to invest, innovate, or collaborate, reach out below:
2024
Space North Resilient Communications
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This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Space North collaboration, detailing its objectives, capabilities, and strategic importance in the UK’s space sector. This report is ideal for stakeholders in the space industry, potential investors, academic researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the strategic development of the UK space sector, particularly in the context of resilient communications.
