The largest regional space cluster in the UK
Maximising our collective regional strengths in space for the benefit of the UK
Catalysing investment
Delivering missions and capability
Championing space
About Us
Space South Central is the largest regional space cluster in the UK. We are a partnership between industry and academia, designed to; accelerate space business growth, foster an environment of innovation, grow the reputation of the south-central region and contribute to national prosperity.
Working closely with our partners, we help, support and guide, both those looking to break into the space industry and those already established within it.
We are able to;
Develop collaborative projects
Link expertise,
Identify and attract funding,
Share information and;
Provide network opportunities
Whatever the challenges or opportunities ahead for your organisation, we can help.
Our Story
When it comes to Space, the South Central region has a global reputation for research and innovation excellence.
Our region, particularly the counties of Surrey and Hampshire, is already highly active across the whole spectrum of space activity from upstream to downstream; including customers, primes, manufacturers and academic institutions.
With over 50 years of rich space heritage, our region boasts significant capabilities in; satellite manufacture, launch technologies, next-generation communications, robotics and autonomous systems, as well as a full range of satellite data-enabled service capabilities.
To find out more read our case studies
The Future
In 2021 the UK government unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen the UK as a world-class space nation, as defined in the National Space Strategy. The National Space Strategy laid out a ten-point plan, that prioritised the importance of regional space clusters. Our regional activities at Space South Central are playing a key role in delivering the UK’s space ambitions.
By harnessing the diverse expertise that exists in our region and building strong partnerships between corporates, SMEs and academic institutions, the South Central region is seizing the opportunity to play a principal role in meeting the ambitious goals set forth in the National Space Strategy.
We will provide the boost needed to unleash the region’s full potential in the Space sector, while actively supporting other UK Space clusters to level up.
In Numbers
160+
Organisations
£3.03Bn
Space income
£1.64Bn
Export revenue
5,684
Talent headcount
Our Ecosystem
Our thriving space ecosystem is supported by talented scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators working in the sector. We are home to more than 120 innovative and entrepreneurial companies delivering end-to-end capabilities. Businesses like Airbus, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Spur Electron, Earth-I, In-Space Missions, KISPE, ICEYE, ViaSat, and SSTL are among many choosing the Space South Central area to grow their businesses.
Download the Space South Central brochure
Download our latest brochure which is packed full of more information and a comprehensive organisation directory.
Space South Central
Mission Objectives
1 / Mission Capabilities
We will ensure that UK scientists and entrepreneurs have access to end-to-end capabilities and the support that they need, to go from initial idea to completed project.
2 / Skills
We will demonstrate best practices in inclusion, education, training, recruitment and retention to make space careers as attractive and rewarding as possible.
3 / Outreach
We will connect, educate and inspire this and future generations to appreciate the value of space in our everyday lives.
4 / Sovereign Capability
We will enhance and fortify space-related supply chains to make UK space activities resilient to external threats while protecting national interests.
5 / Levelling Up
We will use our knowledge and expertise to empower other regions and create prosperity across the nation.
6 / Maximising Service Capabilities
We will enable the growth of new downstream space application opportunities and boost space-derived revenue.
7 / Securing International Partners
We will proactively create collaboration opportunities and develop mutually beneficial relationships with partners abroad.
“We believe that the creation of Space South Central will provide an essential element which has been missing within our region to drive a greater awareness within the local population of the job opportunities which the Space sector offers, as well as coordinating with education providers to help reduce the current skills gap which risks limiting growth.”
Doug Liddle, CEO
In-Space Missions Ltd
“Surrey County Council is proud of our businesses and academic institutions whose knowledge and skills make the region such a powerful contributor to the UK Space Industry. When talking to our businesses, we are often reminded of the wide-reaching potential the industry has for applications across our key sectors.”
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council
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