North East Space Conference Highlights Region’s Key Role in UK Space Industry
THE NORTH East’s important role in the future of the UK space industry was highlighted at a conference in the region last week.
THE NORTH East’s important role in the future of the UK space industry was highlighted at a conference in the region last week.
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.
This is the 10th year the conference – organised by Space North East England – has 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, European Space Agency, European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) and John Bone, chair of North East Space Leadership Group.
John Bone Chair of North East Space Leadership Group said: "Today’s North East Space Conference has clearly shown the significant progress and collaborative efforts within the UK space industry. The North East is playing an essential role in this development.“
Representatives from a range of companies currently involved in the industry including Lockhead Martin, Orbit Fab, Orbex, Jacobs and 35 Northumbria, also were involved in a number of the presentations and panel discussions.
Nik Smith, Lockheed Martin Space regional director said the company was delighted to have been part the NE Space Conference.
“It was an opportunity for us to show our on-going commitment to the UK space industry and to broaden that industry across the UK and in particular, in the North East,” he said.
“As part of that commitment, we have partnered with Northumbria University in Newcastle and the UK Space Agency and have invested £15m to help build the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) a £50m project.
“Working together, the plan is to create a hub for space technology and to 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 that universities in the region will play in the growth of the space industry.
Professor Clive Roberts, Executive Dean (Science) at Durham University said: "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.”