Dear Reader,
April may have been quieter for most of us - a welcome relief after a very busy March - but plenty still happened here at Space South Central!
Space South Central's close partnership between industry and academia continues to ensure a pipeline of highly skilled talent. This is exemplified by the UKSA-funded Data/AI Bridging course delivered by our regional universities, which addresses critical skills gaps in software, data, and AI for the sector.
Professor Hugh Lewis from the University of Southampton was featured on BBC's Sky at Night, discussing the discovery of a massive asteroid due to fly by Earth.
SatVu's HotSat-1 mission set a new benchmark as the world's first commercially available satellite capable of high-resolution thermal infrared imaging, providing unprecedented data for Earth observation and supporting its selection for ESA's prestigious Third Party Mission programme.
The University of Surrey announced a new phase in its partnership with the University of Adelaide, distributing joint seed funding to combine research power on eight collaborative projects.
We also spotlight groundbreaking research from Southampton astronomers analysing the first data from Euclid.
Looking ahead, don't miss a packed calendar of funding calls, including ESA's Space for Insurance Technology and Green Hydrogen initiatives, as well as Innovate UK's innovation loans. Join us at future Orbit South Central networking events, or get involved in the CySpace Capability Mapping workshops to help build resilience in space.
As always, Space South Central remains your hub for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and growth. Dive in to discover how our community is shaping the future of the UK space sector - locally, nationally, and beyond!
For all the latest updates on our work and the Space South Central cluster, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Ebony Desposito
Digital Marketing Officer
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Hands-on programme delivers vital skills training to address UK space industry shortage
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The first cohort of participants has successfully completed the Space Data/AI Bridging Course, a four-week intensive programme delivered by experts from the Space South Central partnership of universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey. The course was designed to help tackle the critical shortage of software, data, and AI skills within the UK space sector and is part of the overarching Securing the Future of Space: Space Software and Data/AI Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme, funded by the UK Space Agency.
Participants without prior coding experience gained practical skills in Python, project management, technical documentation, and version control for Earth observation applications, as well as an understanding of the strategic value of digital technologies and how to access space-related funding opportunities.
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Professor Hugh Lewis on BBC Sky at Night
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Professor Hugh Lewis, Professor of Astronautics at the University of Southampton, was recently featured on BBC Sky at Night, where he joined presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock to discuss how scientists might respond if an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth.
It follows the discovery of a massive space rock by NASA late last year, which is expected to fly past our planet in 2032!
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Ambitious UK–Australia research partnership could accelerate progress in space, AI and cybersecurity
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The University of Adelaide and the University of Surrey have announced a new phase of their partnership – distributing a joint seed fund to combine research power on eight collaborative research projects that each target novel applications in AI, sustainability, space and cybersecurity. The eight – each with a research lead at Adelaide and another at Surrey – were selected from a highly competitive pool of 19 joint proposals.
Both Adelaide and Surrey share strategic strengths in the areas of AI, sustainability and space – with Surrey recently establishing two pan-university institutes: the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI and the Institute for Sustainability, with work also ramping up around Surrey’s historic research strength and impact built around the Surrey Space Centre. Surrey also has one of the most respected cybersecurity research hubs in the UK – the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security.
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Southampton astronomers closer to solving cosmic mysteries after first data from Euclid
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Scientists from Southampton say they are closer to understanding the mysterious forces that shaped the evolution of the universe after receiving the first findings from a satellite one million miles from Earth.
Data captured by the Euclid satellite, which launched in 2023, has been released today by the European Space Agency in efforts to unravel the origins of the cosmos.
Astronomers from the university were part of the international consortium behind the satellite and are analysing the data.
Professor of Astrophysics Francesco Shankar called Euclid’s findings “magnificent” and said they might reveal how galaxies and supermassive black holes evolved in the early universe.
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Impact assessment of ESA early R&D activities
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The University of Southampton pioneered a printed de-orbit propulsion system for CubeSats, advancing small satellite sustainability and strengthening Europe’s global position through technology development and workforce training. The University of Surrey, via the Surrey Space Centre, has led in developing, demonstrating, and commercialising innovative CubeSat technologies, with a strong focus on propulsion and space sustainability.
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Satellite re-entry: A growing threat to the planet
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Space sustainability experts, Minkwan Kim and Ian Williams have authored a new 'The Conversation' article describing how space debris disposal processes are impacting on the upper atmosphere, disrupting the ozone layer and altering the planet's climate.
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NSpOC protecting the UK and space in March 2025
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The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) has released the March 2025 report on the threats from space debris, risks, and hazards.
March saw continued high levels of space activity which saw both uncontrolled re-entry and collision alerts at levels above the 12-month rolling average. All NSpOC warning and protection services functioned as expected throughout the period.
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SatVu’s HotSat-1 data now available for groundbreaking Earth observation research
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SatVu is thrilled to announce that ESA has invited the international scientific community to access archive data from HotSat-1 for groundbreaking earth observation research and application development.
This milestone represents a significant step towards SatVu’s satellite and dataset approval as part of ESA’s prestigious Third Party Mission programme. The programme endorses satellites and datasets for use by ESA and its partners, following an intensive validation process to ensure quality and reliability.
HotSat-1, which was operational between June and December 2023, was the world’s first commercially available satellite capable of capturing high-resolution thermal infrared imagery. During its mission, the satellite delivered an unprecedented resolution of up to 3.5 metres, providing detailed thermal imaging day and night and revealing heat variations across the Earth’s surface like never before.
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Hello!
I can’t believe it’s almost the end of April already—how time flies when you’re having fun!
This month, I had the pleasure of exhibiting and presenting at Ocean Business alongside my ESA colleague Noelia Abascal and Cluster Director, Louise Butt. The maritime and space industries are intrinsically linked, so it was great to see an entire session dedicated to ‘Space in the Marine and Maritime Environment.’ The panel discussion that followed was a real success, with questions continuing for over an hour!
As usual, I received lots of exciting enquiries from potential applicants who, once they realise their use of space assets can be supported by ESA, are keen to develop new products and services for commercialisation. Plus, everyone loves ESA merch!
Many people ask how the European Space Agency supports the maritime industry. You can read all about ESA’s Maritime task force, created just over a year ago, which works alongside the maritime sector to leverage space solutions and help reduce its environmental impact.
The following week, I caught up with my former ESA colleague Lucia Fonseca de la Bella, now Faculty Strategic Project Manager at the University of Surrey, and learned about their ambitious plans for growing space at Surrey. I’ll be visiting again soon to discuss BASS applications and share tips for completing the BASS Activity Pitch Questionnaires—watch this space for more information.
Next month, you can catch me at the monthly Orbit meeting with the Space South Central team.
ESA themed calls:
Just launched! Space for Insurance technology.
This ‘Space for Insurance Technology’ opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing services integrating technology solutions to the insurance sector. ESA will provide funding for six-month feasibility studies known as ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead to larger-scale projects and pilots. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA, up to a maximum of €75K per contract.
Green Hydrogen as a sustainable energy source
This ITT invites proposals for feasibility studies for services that explore innovative uses of space technology to advance green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. This study aims to leverage satellite communication (SatCom), satellite Earth observation (SatEO), and satellite navigation (SatNav) to support green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. The focus is on evaluating practical applications of green hydrogen across multiple sectors, including:
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Energy
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Transportation
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Maritime
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Smart cities
This funding call is for a feasibility study only.
*ESA will co-fund 80% of the acceptable cost, up to €200K, per awarded study.
Maritime Decarbonation theme – Green Fuels – Closing Soon 16.05.25!
This call is the final sub-theme of the umbrella Maritime Decarbonisation call. The objective of this call’s sub-theme is to develop new services that support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, with a focus on green fuels and green propulsion systems.
Our offer includes;
Integrated digital solutions for the energy sector
Closing soon! 02/05/25
This Call for Proposals invites proposals for feasibility studies and demonstration projects for services that leverage space-based technologies to advance resilience and sustainability in the energy sector. With a focus on digital transformation, the call encourages innovative solutions that integrate digital tools such as IoT, AI, blockchain, AR/VR, and digital twins. These solutions aim to optimise electricity grid management, enable predictive maintenance, support energy storage, improve construction logistics, and streamline renewable energy management.
Our offer includes;
Contact Information
For further enquiries, feel free to email me at elizabeth.clutton@port.ac.uk and reach out with any questions.
For funding visit ESA Business Funding. If you’re interested in the ESA BASS open call, please see Direct Negotiation.
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Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 20
Deadline: Wednesday, 7th May 2025
Innovate UK is offering up to £25 million in loans to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Innovate UK innovation loans are for highly innovative late-stage research and development (R&D) projects with the best potential for the future. There must be a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact.
Your project must lead to innovative new products, processes or services that are significantly ahead of others currently available, or propose an innovative use of existing products, processes or services. It can also involve a new or innovative business model.
Loans can be between £100,000 and £2 million.
Read more here.
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National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) Call 2
Deadline: Outline proposal: 8 May 2025. Full proposal: 23 July 2025
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for UK-based research and development projects that will deliver innovative space technologies, applications and services through the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP). NSIP provides co-funded grant support to de-risk high-reward projects with a clear target market.
Funding: At least £17 million available. Kick Starter: up to £1 million. Major Projects: up to £2 million.
Read more here.
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ESA ITTs
The latest list of open and intended ESA and Non-ESA ITTs is now available and published on ESA STAR. This includes all contracts currently open for bids, as well as those in the intended phase prior to publication. All opportunities listed are accessible to UK companies, though some caveats may apply.
Read more here.
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Orbit South Central - May 2025
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On Wednesday, 28th May 2025, Space South Central is delighted to host our monthly networking event, Orbit South Central at Surrey Space Centre.
Created with the aim of connecting key players in the UK space industry and providing an opportunity to discover the region’s space-related activities, whilst discussing the sector on both a local and national level. Our monthly networking events are an occasion in which we can meet to share our knowledge and skills. A chance to hear the latest news, and funding opportunities whilst listening to experts across the sector share their thoughts and ideas.
Speakers for this month are to be announced.
Grab your tickets here.
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CySpace CCN UK Cyber and Space Domain Awareness Capability Mapping Workshops
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The CySpace Connected Capability Network (CCN) is led by SpaceWest and delivered in partnership with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Space South Central, North West Space Cluster, Space North East, Space Wales, Space East and Space Northern Ireland as well as cyber clusters across the UK.
The programme is funded and supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult as part of their Connected Capability programme. The CCN aims to increase resilience of UK space infrastructure. The programme brings together partners from across industry, academia and government within space domain awareness (SDA) and cyber security to map capabilities and expertise that can be leveraged to create new products and address critical vulnerabilities. The program began with Working Group workshops involving UK-wide representation from government, academia and industry to identify key UK cyber and SDA requirements to inform a Requirements Catalogue.
The Cyspace CCN is hosting regional workshops to contribute towards a UK-wide mapping exercise of space domain awareness and cyber security capabilities during Summer 2025. Each workshop will identify key cyber and SDA capabilities, and map them to the Requirement Catalogue. The Capability Mapping workshops will hold up to 100 attendees and last around 10:00-16:00. The workshops will take place throughout the UK in the North East, North West, Central South, South West, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland between May and September in Summer 2025.
Register your interest to take part in workshops and learn more about the program here: CySpace CCN Mapping Workshops Expression of Interest | National Composites Centre.
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UK Space Conference - 2025
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In July innovators and experts from a surprising range of sectors are convening because they understand the role that space plays in the next wave of human technological innovation. Join the UK Space Agency to understand why working and investing in the UK Space Sector is critical for the next decade of renewal and economic growth. We can all be part in the UK Space Mission, in Manchester on July 16th and 17th 2025!
Find out more here.
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NHS Estates Extravaganza Day
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There will also be discussions around NHS procurement processes and how to improve adoption of space solutions in the future.
Find out more here.
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Satellite Ground Segment Conference (SSGS)
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The Satellite industry’s only exclusively Ground Segment-focused conference and exhibition returns to London in October (8th and 9th). Organisers Satellite Evolution Group and TalkSatellite are inviting companies and organisations from Space South Central to get involved.
The inaugural Strategies in Satellite Ground Segment conference (SSGS), was held in London last September and was a resounding success, drawing industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders from across the satellite communications sector. The conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in satellite ground segment technologies. Companies and organisations involved included the Ministry of Defence, Airbus, the European Defence Agency, the European Space Agency, UK Space Agency the GSMA and many more.
SSGS is happy to hear and invite either individual Space South Central members or groups of companies wanting to become involved. Speaking submissions or panel suggestions are welcome and in addition to cost-effective exhibition stand prices, there are a range of sponsorship offerings.
Visit https://www.ssgsconference.com for more information.
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The SpaceCraft initiative at Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey makes it easier for organisations to create space-flight equipment and conduct space experiments, plus it enables students and companies to develop practical engineering skills.
Businesses can use Surrey's facilities to make and/or test space-related prototypes, with dedicated space engineers available to advise on early design, development, material choices and prototyping of innovative new space projects.
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The UK space sector is a vibrant ecosystem comprising diverse stakeholder communities, renowned for numerous innovative and globally recognised projects and programmes. However, the sector has traditionally lacked a cohesive systems approach to unite these varied forces and foster collaboration towards a shared vision for the future.
The Space Enterprise Community (SEC) platform has been designed to help address this challenge and support the UK Space Ecosystem to connect and thrive, offering users a selection of tools, resources and groups that connect stakeholders from different communities to enable collaboration while providing support and real-time updates on the latest news, events and opportunities.
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