Grow Your Space Business at NETPark
Specialist laboratory, office and manufacturing space in North East England, connecting ambitious space companies with world-class research, technical expertise, skilled talent and a growing space technology cluster.
Space technology and satellite communications at NETPark
NETPark provides a base for companies developing satellite communications, space surveillance, photonics, advanced electronics, instrumentation and materials. Its location within North East England’s manufacturing and digital economy also connects businesses working in Earth observation, resilient communications, space data and satellite manufacturing with relevant skills and supply chains.
Companies join a community of more than 40 science and technology businesses, with Durham University, the Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, the Space Enterprise Lab and CPI’s national innovation centres all based on campus. These connections bring research expertise, specialist facilities and opportunities for collaboration within easy reach.
Laboratories, offices and manufacturing space allow businesses to progress from research and development into production without relocating. NETPark’s £100 million expansion has added 285,650 sq. ft across 11 high-specification units ranging from 11,500 to 35,700 sq. ft.
Why Space Companies Choose NETPark
Growing a space technology business creates particular property and infrastructure requirements. A laboratory suitable for early development may not support testing, cleanroom activity or production. Moving into conventional industrial space can mean compromising on facilities or relocating away from research partners and skilled employees.
NETPark provides a clear route through these stages. Companies can begin in flexible incubator space within Plexus, move into larger laboratories and offices in Discovery or Explorer, and progress into a purpose-designed brand new facilities. The facilities change as the company grows, while its workforce, research relationships and business connections remain close by.
More than 40 science and technology businesses and over 1,000 people are based at NETPark. The campus brings space companies together with expertise in electronics, photonics, communications, sensing, advanced materials and defence.
Space Research and Innovation Facilities at NETPark
Durham University’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation is based at NETPark. It develops optical instruments and imaging technologies for astronomy and space science, bringing together expertise in optics, spectroscopy, imaging and precision instrumentation.
Durham University’s Space Research Centre, SPARC, connects expertise in astrophysics, instrumentation, satellite applications and space science. Its work addresses challenges including the development of space technologies, protection of the orbital environment and long-term space sustainability. Relationships with organisations including the European Space Agency and Satellite Applications Catapult connect this research with government and industry priorities.
CPI operates three national innovation centres at NETPark covering printable electronics, healthcare photonics and formulations. Companies can access cleanrooms, pilot-scale facilities, characterisation equipment and expertise relevant to sensors, communications technology, lightweight materials and electronic systems.
Space and Satellite Companies at NETPark
Filtronic develops and manufactures RF, microwave and millimetre-wave technology for satellite communications, aerospace, defence and critical communications. Its purpose-built NETPark headquarters has expanded its UK production and cleanroom capacity. The company’s commercial activity includes a strategic partnership with SpaceX and work with the European Space Agency on future satellite communications technology.
aXenic designs and manufactures optical components for communications and sensing, with applications in high-capacity optical links for satellite systems. Its work with Durham University also demonstrates the collaborative opportunities available on the campus.
Raytheon NORSS specialises in space sustainability, surveillance and situational awareness. Based in Orbit at NETPark, it provides tracking, analysis and risk-management services that help satellite operators understand and respond to activity in the space environment.
SEEDS develops engineered graphene technologies for energy generation and storage. Its work with advanced materials and printable inks has potential applications in lightweight structures, energy systems and other demanding space environments.
Together, these companies give NETPark expertise across communications hardware, optical components, space-domain awareness, materials and energy technology.
Our mission is to deliver industry-changing energy generation and storage solutions for commercial partners using our engineered graphene technology.
aXenic are leaders in the design, development and production of optical modulators for communications and sensing.
Aligned with strategic plans to focus the Broadband business unit on the rapidly growing requirement for higher frequency technology and products, Filtronic has established a mmWave centre of excellence at NETPark, Durham.
Northern Space and Security Ltd (NORSS) is the UK’s only commercial company dedicated solely to space sustainability.
Chat with us
To find out how your company would benefit from locating to NETPark please contact Sara Williams, on 01740 625 250 or email sara.williams@durham.gov.uk
