The North East is a major player when it comes to the development of space technologies and satellite applications.
The North East space cluster consists of more than 70 innovative companies operating in space related activities. Companies already based here, with many accessing global markets include Raytheon NORSS (the UK’s first orbital analyst centre), Rhea Group, Telespazio and Kratos Communications, plus satellite application specialists such as Boyd, Ryleore AI, aXenic and UltraMAP.
Our strong digital ecosystem is enhanced by our five universities and their world-leading research excellence in computer science and informatics. We have centres of academic and industry excellence in advanced instrumentation for space, sensors, printable electronics, materials science, graphene applications, photonics, formulation, smart data, GNSS, artificial intelligence and immersive technology for research and development.
Combine that with our established software, large data management and analytics, and telecommunications sectors, and the North East offers an outstanding location for companies looking to start-up, invest and grow.
Using space technologies, data and analytics, companies in North East England can seize opportunities in new sector areas such as renewable energy, smart ports, immersive technologies, autonomous vehicles, and life sciences and advanced materials. The sector connects with cross cutting sectors in which the North East excels, including digital, artificial intelligence and machine learning and precision engineering and manufacturing.
Facilities such as North East Technology Park (NETPark) bring our science and technology communities together to collaborate and network. The North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST ) is a £50m facility developed by Northumbria University with investment from the UK Space Agency and the space and satellite division of industry giant Lockheed Martin (opening 2026).
Our geography also works when it comes to space technology. For example with satellites, the North East benefits from its Northerly latitude (which is helpful as most satellites are designed to operate on polar orbits) and is close to the sea, which can assist the safety of launches. For manufacturers, the area has many former industrial sites which are of a large enough scale for factories to be built.
With excellent digital infrastructure and connectivity alongside these fantastic facilities and business networks, the North East offers the ideal conditions for seizing the opportunities of the space and satellite applications sectors.
Space and satellite companies choosing to locate in North East England will benefit from a wide range of business support and cluster networks primed to offer guidance and advice across a range of topics. To support a smooth transition to the region, Invest North East England can provide a range of services, including property searches, data on skills and guidance on incentives, as well as making introductions to specialist networks who can offer guidance and links to potential customers, opportunities and research and development support.
