New UK Space Strategy highlights opportunities for NETPark’s growing space cluster
The UK Government has launched a new UK Space Strategy, setting out how it plans to grow the country’s space sector, strengthen national security and develop the sovereign capabilities needed to protect increasingly important space infrastructure.
Backed by £7.8 billion of government investment to 2030, the strategy identifies four priority areas: Satellite Communications, Space Domain Awareness, In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), and Assured Access to Space.
These priorities have strong links to the expertise and technologies already being developed at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in County Durham.
Satellite communications expertise at NETPark
Satellite communications is a major focus of the strategy, with government announcing £2.8 billion towards strengthening connectivity, including investment in the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit and SKYNET defence communications programmes.
The government also plans a more coordinated approach to buying and developing space technology, beginning with satellite communications, to strengthen UK supply chains and create opportunities for UK businesses.
NETPark is already home to companies working in RF and microwave technology, satellite communications, photonics and advanced electronics, including businesses developing technologies with applications in global space and communications markets.
The strategy therefore presents potential opportunities for NETPark companies to contribute technologies, expertise and specialist capabilities to growing UK space supply chains.
Supporting the UK's Space Domain Awareness capabilities
The strategy also places increased emphasis on Space Domain Awareness – the ability to detect, track and understand satellites, debris and other activity in orbit.
Government investment includes £85 million for the National Space Operations Centre alongside £149 million for the European Space Agency’s Vigil mission.
NETPark has a growing concentration of expertise relevant to this area, including space surveillance, orbital analysis, sensors, communications and data-led technologies.
From research to commercial space technology
The strategy's focus on In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing also creates links with NETPark's wider strengths.
With £40 million committed to ISAM, the government wants to support technologies that could enable satellites to be serviced and repaired in orbit, address space debris and open up opportunities for manufacturing in space.
NETPark brings together expertise in advanced electronics, photonics, sensors, materials and advanced manufacturing, supported by research and innovation capabilities from Durham University and CPI.
Durham University's Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is based at NETPark, while its wider Space Research Centre, SPARC, connects expertise across astrophysics, instrumentation, satellite applications and space science. CPI's national innovation centres at NETPark provide additional facilities and expertise that can help businesses develop and scale new technologies.
Space for the UK's growing space sector
NETPark is also home to Space North East England, which connects businesses, universities and partners across the region and helps companies access opportunities within the space sector.
As the new UK Space Strategy moves from ambition to delivery, its focus on UK capability, supply chains and commercial growth creates an important opportunity for businesses developing technologies that can contribute to the future space economy.
At NETPark, companies can locate alongside an established community of science and technology businesses, research expertise and specialist facilities, with space available to take ideas from research and development towards commercialisation and manufacture.
