The North East space cluster consists of more than 70 innovative companies operating in space related
activities. Our established cluster of companies is bolstered by a workforce of over 2,000 people in space related sectors and is led by the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, with a Space Leadership Group consisting of industry, academia public sector and politicians driving the sector.
We also have a thriving software sector that employs over 32,500 people with expertise in data analytics, which directly supports satellite applications.
Our strong digital ecosystem is enhanced by our five universities and their world-leading research excellence in computer science and informatics. There are 54,000 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students in the region.
Durham University is one of the highest ranked universities globally for space science; joint first in the UK and second in Europe, and has been a key contributor to the intellectual pool, along with other universities in the region.
There are more than 170 university courses in the region are relevant to the space and satellite applications sectors. We have well-regarded maths, physics, electronics and engineering degrees and offer specialist courses in geospatial, robotics, automation and data science subjects.
Our universities have established links with external partners and work collaboratively with the private sector. From up skilling to bespoke training options to new curriculum themes to apprenticeship, our educational institutions are ready to work with businesses.
From strategic partnerships and collaboration, access to world leading research projects, to being part of a vibrant space ecosystem – there are boundless opportunities for companies locating in North East England.
Our universities also deliver highly prestigious training and research programmes – such as the Centre for Doctoral Training in Geospatial Systems and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Science at Durham University and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data at Newcastle University– that give companies access to the highest calibre of graduates. Our universities have huge strengths when it comes to space research.
Recent innovative research programmes in the region range from major space weather projects (such as SULIS), and research into optical communications at Northumbria University, to Durham University’s work on thermal infrared telescopes and contribution to the James Webb space telescope.
The North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence is one of only five of its kind in the UK and has direct support from the UK Space Agency.
These outstanding facilities enable space and satellite applications companies locating to the North East the ability to gain a competitive advantage in a global market.
