Major investment boost announced for North East space sector

A multi-million-pound investment is set to elevate the North East’s prominence in space research and innovation, driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded £2.5 million to the North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA), a consortium of academic, civic and industry leaders which includes Northumbria, Durham and Newcastle universities, the North East Combined Authority, Space North East England and the North East Space Leadership Group, as well as 14 industry partners.

NESCA will focus on advancing resilient space communications technology, contributing to the UK’s ambition of becoming a global space leader and “positioning North East England as a leader in space innovation”.

Led by Northumbria University, with Durham University and Newcastle University as key partners, NESCA will integrate research and commercial expertise. Its three-pronged strategy includes an innovation fund to support new ideas, regional and national engagement activities and skill-building initiatives such as summer schools and professional development programmes.

Professor Vincent Barrioz, of Northumbria University’s Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, leads the project.

He said: “The North East is recognised as a prime location for the rapid growth of space innovation, skills development, investment, and industry, which, if nurtured, will transform the industrial landscape of the region.

“NESCA will provide the structure and resources to ensure that innovation taking place in our universities is driven by, aligned with, and delivered in collaboration with regional partners to deliver place-based impact.

“Specifically, it will bridge the gap between space research and industry-ready products launching in the market.”