The UK’s thriving £18.6 billion space economy is a powerful driver of both national prosperity and regional opportunity - yet the sector faces urgent calls for innovation, agile research, and critically, a fresh wave of skilled talent. Over half (52%) of UK space organisations are continuing to report severe skills shortages, underlining why Space South Central welcomes the launch of the new Surrey Space Institute at the University of Surrey as a transformative step for the region and the UK.

Scientists are working on an ambitious dark matter experiment in space in the hope it can unravel one of the universe's greatest mysteries.

The space industry is evolving at an incredible pace, offering exciting opportunities for those with a passion for engineering and innovation. Alice, a Space Systems Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and the University of Portsmouth, has joined this dynamic sector, gaining valuable hands-on experience in her role.

For many, becoming an astronaut is a dream and where the journey into the space sector starts. For David, a Space Systems Engineering Apprentice from BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and the University of Portsmouth, he had an unconventional but no less inspiring start to his space journey.

Space South Central, the UK’s largest regional Space Cluster, is delighted to announce the addition of two prestigious members to its Advisory Board: The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and CGI, one of the largest IT and business consulting companies in the world. Both organisations have an extensive track record and significant presence in the global Space sector.

The UK armed forces will soon benefit from cutting-edge space technology thanks to a newly signed £40 million deal for a military satellite. Led by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), the project will create around 200 skilled jobs, boosting the UK’s space industry and supporting economic growth.

The Satellite Applications Catapult has announced the launch of its third Connected Capability Network (CNN) at Defense Space 2024, with the aim for communities to harness space technology and benefit from satellite data. 

Two projects from the Space South Central region are among nine from across the UK to get a share of £1.8 million in funding from the UK Space Agency’s Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP), to boost research and development into new and emerging space technologies.

Saturday 1 July saw the successful launch of ESA’s Euclid spacecraft on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, starting an ambitious six-year mission to explore the composition and evolution of the dark Universe. 

Skills and innovation were the focus for Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, as he met with Space South Central businesses and academics in Guildford on Thursday (22 June 2023).