ExtraOrdinary Orbit South Central will take place on Wednesday 15th July, marking a milestone moment for the cluster. For the first time, Orbit will be hosted at a cluster member’s own site, and we’re thrilled that this inaugural on‑site Orbit will be held at Surrey NanoSystems — a company globally recognised for pioneering some of the most advanced nanomaterials in the world.

This is a unique, one‑off Orbit gathering designed to bring the cluster together in a setting that embodies innovation, precision, and world‑leading science.

Orbit brings cluster members together to strengthen relationships, share insights, and build momentum across the network. It focuses on:

• Connection — deepening collaboration across the cluster

• Inspiration — showcasing extraordinary work and breakthroughs

• Collaboration — tackling shared challenges and opportunities

• Momentum — aligning on priorities and energising the path ahead

Orbit events are intentionally interactive, community‑driven, and designed to spark ideas and partnerships.

🏭 About Surrey NanoSystems

Surrey NanoSystems is a UK‑based advanced materials company specialising in the development of high‑performance nanomaterials and coatings. They are best known for creating Vantablack, one of the darkest substances ever made, capable of absorbing up to 99.965% of visible light.

🔬 What makes Vantablack extraordinary

Taking its name from the original “Vertically Aligned NanoTube Array” used in the first coatings developed by Surrey NanoSystems, Vantablack now consists of a ‘coral-like’ carbon nanotube structure. This type of structure is designed to trap light from almost any angle of incidence and across a wide bandwidth from Ultra Violet to Far Infrared and beyond; giving Vantablack its signature appearance - an ultra‑black surface that appears dimensionless.

Vantablack has been used in:

• Aerospace and satellite technology — reducing stray light for improved sensor performance

• ADAS (Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems) — improving optical performance in camera and sensor modules through stray‑light suppression

• Optical systems — enhancing accuracy in scientific instruments

• Art and design — creating visually striking, seemingly impossible surfaces

• Thermal management applications — due to its unique emissivity properties

Surrey NanoSystems continues to push the boundaries of nanomaterial engineering, making it an inspiring and fitting host for this ExtraOrdinary Orbit.

Presentations will be from Surrey NanoSystems and their partners. They will also provide a tour of the facilities for everyone who wishes to take part.

Travel and Parking

We would encourage you to use public transport to join us at this month's Orbit, but we appreciate this is not always possible. The closest train station is Newhaven Harbour, which is a 10 minute walk to the site. We will send out maps closer to the time. Attendees who will be driving will need to email their car registration plate details to info@spacesouthcentral.com. Spaces are limited and on a first come first serve basis and cannot be guaranteed.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at victoria.may-chamberlain@port.ac.uk. You can follow our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, where we share regular updates about our work and events.

By applying for tickets, you will automatically be registered for our monthly newsletter. Should you wish to opt out, please email info@spacesouthcentral.com.

We look forward to seeing you very soon!