University of Hertfordshire joins Space East cluster

The University of Hertfordshire has officially joined Space East, the newest UK space cluster aimed at driving innovation and economic growth in the £18.9 billion UK space sector.

Joining alongside Hertfordshire Futures - Hertfordshire County Council’s enterprise partnership - it will mean both organisations will have direct access to an innovative and engaged community of cross-sector businesses, all keen on exploring how their capabilities and expertise can access the opportunities presented by the space industry.

The University brings significant expertise and resources to the Space East cluster. Its School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS) recently benefited from a £100m investment into a new, state-of-the-art, STEM-focused building SPECTRA, which opened in September. Research conducted within SPECTRA spans space law, satellite communications, and environmental sustainability through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) data analysis.

Herts is also dedicated to bolstering the next generation of talent for the aerospace industry. By collaborating with local industries, it ensures students gain the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in space-related careers.

Professor Mairi Watson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Hertfordshire, said:

“Joining Space East, alongside Hertfordshire Futures and our longstanding partners in the space sector, is our way to demonstrate our long-term commitment to the underlying education and research that will support growth in this region and ensure that Hertfordshire continues to be recognised for the innovation and excellence of its space related activity.”

The news of the University’s and Hertfordshire Future’s new membership status was announced today (Tuesday, 26 November) at the Airbus headquarters in Stevenage, during a celebration event to mark the first year of the Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative, an accelerator programme aimed at startups, academics and non-traditional businesses in the UK space sector.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures, said:

“We were delighted to be here to celebrate the first anniversary of Airbus’s CUSP programme. Together with the University of Hertfordshire and other space partners we look forward to playing a full and active part in the development of the wider space community in the East of England and build on its potential to maximise the global opportunities arising from space. The possibilities are infinite!”

The East of England is already the third-largest contributor to the UK’s space economy with Hertfordshire an integral part thanks to its strengths in satellite manufacturing, spacecraft development, and other space-related technologies.

With around 60 space-related companies operating within a 30-mile radius of Stevenage, including Airbus, MBDA, and Hempsell Astronautics the region is known for having a vibrant ecosystem. The Space East cluster then serves as a platform to connect industry leaders, government bodies, and academic institutions to unlock new opportunities and push the boundaries of space technology.

Stuart Catchpole, Cluster Manager, Space East, said:

“We are excited to welcome Hertfordshire Futures and the University of Hertfordshire to the Space East community, joining existing members Airbus. The region is home to an exciting array of upstream and downstream innovation, activity and technologies. This commitment further cements the strength of the regional space offering as we develop a new East of England Space strategy that unlocks opportunities in the sector and delivers growth for the region.”

With the addition of the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Futures, Space East is set to advance the East of England’s reputation as a thriving hub for space research, innovation, and industry.

Read more about the University's space research or find out more about the Space East cluster