We Have Lift Off!

In the few months since the North West Space Cluster launched, and even in the few weeks since I was appointed as it’s development manager, we’ve seen some significant milestones in the Space Industry; from the first results from James Webb, to small steps towards our return to The Moon via the Artemis programme. Closer to home, the UK has set its sights on developing space based solar power (SBSP) to aid the decarbonisation of our energy grids by the middle of the century, and multiple spaceports are gearing up to launch payloads into orbit from sovereign soil.

Over the summer, I’ve been busy meeting stakeholders, both regional and national, exploring the North West’s space related capabilities and aspirations to map out a series of projects and initiatives to deliver the North West Space Strategy over the coming years. In this process, I’ve been struck by the breadth of our capacity, and the growing enthusiasm across the region for space, not only from a commercial engineering perspective, but also regarding use of satellite data across ‘non-space’ sectors, and how we can inform the development of new policies, locally, nationally, and internationally. In this regard, several regional submissions are in development in response to the UK Space Agency’s ‘Cluster Development Fund’, ranging from a project to turbocharge our upstream supply chains, a means to establish the North West as a hub for Space skills and training, and the scoping of a number of future infrastructure projects of potentially national significance.

In September, the North West Space Cluster is featured at the SpaceCom Expo in Farnborough, and, for the first time, will be represented at the International Astronautical Congress in Paris, promoting our expertise in cybersecurity, advanced materials, green technologies, next generation computing, advanced electronics and manufacturing, nuclear energy in space, astrophysics, life sciences, and robotics; clearly signalling our intention to engage with major players in the sector, and take our place as an innovative, vibrant component of the 21st century space industry, nationally, globally, and beyond.

As I’ve often said, you are the North West Space Cluster; the role of myself, STFC, and the Stakeholder Group is to support and elevate you in your activities, growth, and ambitions. As such, I am pleased to announce that the Northern Space Consortium and the British Interplanetary Society have approached the Cluster to support our first networking Meet Up event. Hosted by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Liverpool, this free to attend half-day event will feature a range of fascinating speakers, ‘Lightening Pitches’ from Cluster members, and ample networking with refreshments. The event will be held on 13th October to mark the 89th anniversary of the foundation of the British Interplanetary Society, which took place in Liverpool back in 1933. Numbers are strictly limited, so please sign up to the Newsletter to get first choice on reservations. Crucially, you are encouraged to apply to give a 5 minute ‘Lightening Pitch’ to showcase yourself, your organisation, or your project to your fellow Cluster members.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in person, and to working together to unleash the region’s potential in the space sector, ensuring new jobs, and economical and societal growth for decades to come.