Space Park Perspectives

The UK’s new Space Strategy sets an ambitious direction for growth, security and discovery. For Leicester, it presents an opportunity to build on decades of space expertise and turn world-class research into technologies, businesses, skills and economic impact.

Space Park Leicester has welcomed the publication of the UK Government’s new Space Strategy and its ambition to strengthen the UK’s position as a competitive global space power.

The Strategy sets out a long-term approach to 2035, backed by more than £7.8 billion of funding to 2029/30. It places economic growth, defence and national security at the heart of the UK’s approach to space and identifies priority capabilities including Earth Observation (EO), Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), and Space Discovery.

For Space Park Leicester and the University of Leicester, the Strategy strongly aligns with capabilities built in the city over more than six decades of space research and increasingly translated into innovation, commercial activity, skills and regional economic growth.

William Wells, Chief Executive of Space Park Leicester, said: “We warmly welcome the new UK Space Strategy. It recognises something fundamental that space is no longer a niche activity but critical national infrastructure, an engine of economic growth and an increasingly important component of our national security.

“What is particularly encouraging for us in Leicester is the Strategy’s emphasis on connecting outstanding science with commercialisation, skills and regional growth. That is precisely the model we have been developing at Space Park Leicester.

“Our opportunity now is to help turn the ambitions within this Strategy into delivery by translating world-class research into new technologies and businesses, developing the people the sector needs and ensuring that the economic benefits of the UK’s investment in space are felt across the country.”

Discovery and space engineering, underpinned by world-leading science and instrumentation, are at the heart of Leicester’s space capability and provide the foundation for its contribution across the breadth of the UK Space Strategy.

The Strategy describes Space Discovery as the research and innovation base generating the knowledge, technologies, talent and partnerships that create future capability.

Leicester’s longstanding expertise in space science, astrophysics, planetary science, instrumentation and space engineering has contributed to major international missions including BepiColombo and SMILE. Leicester researchers also lead and develop novel mission concepts and contribute expertise to international agencies as they define the scientific, technical and operational requirements for future satellite systems.

Education and research within the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy continue to underpin this discovery capability while developing the scientists, engineers and innovators needed for its future.

Professor Emma Bunce, Director of the Institute for Space at the University of Leicester and Professor of Planetary Plasma Physics at University of Leicester School of Physics and Astronomy said: “Space has never been more important to our economy, security and everyday lives. I am delighted to see the UK reaffirm its commitment to excellent space science, which continues to inspire, drive innovation and deepen our understanding of the Universe.

“Equally encouraging is the recognition that space research can contribute to solutions for some of society’s most pressing challenges, from environmental resilience and future health technologies to advanced manufacturing and digital innovation.

“Through the Institute for Space at Space Park Leicester, we are bringing together interdisciplinary expertise across our strategic themes of Space for Society, Space Environment, Life in Space and Space Technology, connecting fundamental discovery with real-world impact.

“The UK Space Strategy provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen those connections and ensure the benefits of space research are felt across society, the economy and future generations.”

A central feature of the Strategy is the need to turn the UK’s scientific excellence into commercially successful businesses. This closely reflects Space Park Leicester’s mission to translate world-class research into practical applications and commercial opportunities. Leicester’s ecosystem already includes examples such as EarthSense and Perpetual Atomics, while the ESA Business Incubation Centre supports entrepreneurs and new space businesses to develop and scale.

Earth Observation is a major area of alignment and sits at the core of Leicester’s use of space to benefit our own planet, protect livelihoods and support the UK economy.

The Strategy identifies EO as both a national-security capability and a substantial economic opportunity, with particular potential in data, analytics and downstream services. Leicester has internationally recognised expertise in Earth Observation and environmental data, including through the National Centre for Earth Observation, alongside growing capability in the commercial exploitation of space-derived data.

EO also has a vital role in understanding and responding to national risks and resilience challenges. From environmental hazards and climate impacts to infrastructure, food security and wider security applications, satellite observations and the data derived from them can support better preparedness, faster decision-making and more resilient communities and services.

This capability is strengthened by research and education spanning environmental sustainability, Earth Observation and data science, including expertise within the University’s School of Geography, Geology and the Environment and its new School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

Professor John Remedios, Executive Director of the National Centre for Earth Observation and Professor of Earth Observational Science at The University of Leicester, said: “Earth Observation is now fundamental to how we understand and respond to changes affecting our planet, our economy and our security. The UK has exceptional capabilities across the whole chain, from instruments and missions through to the data, AI and services that turn observations into decisions.

“Leicester’s strength is that we bring these elements together. Our scientific and technical expertise is coupled with an increasing focus on turning Earth Observation data into information that can support government, industry and communities.

“Data is critically important to the next phase of the space economy. By combining Earth Observation with artificial intelligence, advanced computing and national data infrastructure, we have an opportunity to extract much greater UK economic and societal value from the extraordinary volume of information generated from space.”

Digital capability is increasingly central to this work. The University’s AI strategy provides a clear connection with the priorities identified by Government, while research including the REALM project is exploring how advanced AI techniques can be applied to complex space-related data and challenges.

Leicester also contributes to national data and computing infrastructure, including the EO DataHub and DiRAC. Together, these capabilities support the collection, management, processing and exploitation of increasingly large and complex space datasets and create opportunities to connect AI and data science with EO, PNT, Space Domain Awareness, security and future national space assets.

Building capability in PNT, Space Domain Awareness and ISAM

Leicester also has developing capability relevant to Positioning, Navigation and Timing and Space Domain Awareness. These areas are both increasingly important to the resilience and security of the UK’s space infrastructure.

Research and technology development at Space Park Leicester has the potential to contribute to improved understanding of the space environment and the monitoring, analysis and protection of assets in orbit, bringing together expertise in instrumentation, data, AI and space systems.

The emerging In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing market provides a further area of opportunity. The Strategy identifies ISAM as a potentially significant growth market spanning robotics, autonomous systems, AI, advanced materials and precision manufacturing.

At Leicester, this is closely connected with interdisciplinary research including the iSPARK project and activity within the University’s Centre for Materials Research, bringing together space science and engineering with wider strengths in advanced materials, manufacturing, robotics and autonomous technologies.

Together, these capabilities position Leicester to contribute across the lifecycle of future space infrastructure from discovering and developing new technologies to deploying, monitoring, servicing and sustaining assets in orbit.

Leading the development of regional space clusters

The Strategy’s focus on strong regional clusters is particularly significant for Leicester and the wider Midlands.

The region was an early influence on the development of the UK’s space cluster approach. Leicester was a founding Centre of Excellence of the Satellite Applications Catapult and, through the development of Space Park Leicester and discussions around the future shape of the UK space economy, contributed alongside national and regional partners to thinking that helped shape the subsequent cluster strategy.

Today, the University of Leicester leads both the Midlands Space Cluster and the Midlands Innovation Space Group, connecting capabilities across the region and strengthening collaboration between universities, businesses, government and other partners.

Space Park Leicester also anchors the Leicester and Leicestershire space cluster and forms the centrepiece of Space City Leicester, connecting research and innovation with business investment, regeneration and high-value employment.

Professor Martin Barstow, Chair of the Midlands Innovation Space Group and lead of the Midlands Space Cluster, said: “The Space Strategy’s focus on regional clusters is very welcome. This region has been at the centre of the early cluster strategy as a founding Centre of Excellence of the Satellite Applications Catapult.

“Space Park Leicester was developed as a game-changing facility to help deliver space capability and economic growth, supporting development of the Midlands Innovation Space Group and the aligned Midlands Space Cluster, both led by the University of Leicester.

“The next opportunity is to build on those foundations, connecting the exceptional research, industrial capability and talent that exists across the Midlands so that the region can make an even greater contribution to the UK’s ambitions in space.”

Developing the future space workforce

Developing the future workforce will be fundamental to delivering the Strategy and ensuring that growth in the sector can be sustained.

The University combines undergraduate education in Physics and Astronomy with specialist postgraduate programmes, including the MSc in Space Exploration Systems, while Space Park Leicester gives students direct exposure to researchers, engineers and businesses operating within the sector.

This year Leicester will also provide a defence-focused training module at Masters level, led by Professor John Remedios and Professor Kevin Tansey, with support from Josh Barker and Dr Nigel Bannister. The module will draw on expertise spanning Earth Observation, space systems, security and the use of space-derived information in defence and resilience contexts.

Alongside undergraduate and postgraduate education, Space Park Leicester and the University provide professional training and executive education. This supports talent supply from the other end of the skills pipeline, helping experienced professionals develop new capabilities and facilitating mobility into the space sector from other industries.

Placements, internships, professional experience, research projects, graduate employment and entrepreneurship provide further routes into the sector, creating a talent pipeline spanning initial education through to lifelong professional development.

Defence, security and national resilience

The Strategy reflects the growing importance of defence, security and resilience and the dual-use nature of many emerging space technologies.

Space Park Leicester’s partnership with AWE provides a model for deeper collaboration between academia, industry and national-security organisations, combining research, specialist facilities, skills and access to the Midlands supply chain.

Much of the technology and data capability developed across Space Park Leicester also has potential dual-use applications. Earth Observation, AI and data analytics, instrumentation, PNT and Space Domain Awareness can all contribute to the resilience and security of national infrastructure as well as generating substantial civilian and commercial benefits.

This combination of discovery, engineering, data and skills positions Leicester to contribute to the UK’s ambition to develop resilient sovereign capability while supporting innovation across the wider economy.

A safe and sustainable future in space

Leicester is also contributing to the wider debate about how humanity uses space safely, responsibly and sustainably.

The £10 million Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space, based at Space Park Leicester, brings a distinctive interdisciplinary dimension to questions about humanity’s relationship with space. This complements the Strategy’s commitment to maintaining a space environment that is safe, sustainable and accessible for future generations.

Through the Institute for Space, expertise from across the University is being brought together to consider not only the technologies required for humanity’s future in space, but their societal, environmental and economic implications.

Launch capability in the UK can play an important strategic role, but its greatest value will come from being part of a broader national space capability rather than an end in itself. UK launch should provide a route for UK-developed satellites, instruments and other space assets to reach orbit, helping to stimulate demand and opportunity across the domestic supply chain.

Its strategic value will be strongest where launch capability strengthens UK sovereignty and security, is supported by sustainable UK commercial capability and enables effective co-operation with international partners. Linking investment in launch with ambitious UK missions and programmes will help ensure that the benefits extend across the country – supporting the scientists, engineers, manufacturers, data specialists and businesses that design, build and exploit the assets being put into space.

William Wells added: “The Strategy gives the UK a clearer sense of where it wants to compete and why. The next challenge is delivery.

“Leicester brings together many of the ingredients identified in the Strategy in one place: internationally excellent science, engineering and Earth Observation; businesses and entrepreneurs; specialist facilities; students and skills; defence partnerships; and a growing regional cluster.

“Our ambition is to use that combination to help the UK move from discovery to deployment, and from world-class science to sustainable economic growth.” 

Space Park Perspectives brings together science, society and the humanities to explore how space is shaping life on Earth — and beyond.

To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit space-park.co.uk or to learn more about the University of Leicester visit le.ac.uk/.

Main image: Illustration of internet satellites orbiting Earth