The Digital Security Hub (DISH) in Manchester was the venue for the NW Space Cluster meeting on November 10th. The meeting was hosted by Plexal and following a buffet lunch where attendees had the opportunity to network, Alan Cross opened the event with a summary of local developments. This included the purchase of Satixfy Space Systems by international space company MDA Space, Local Space Partnerships update and the fact that 11 NW startups had been accepted onto the UK Space Agency Space Accelerator Programme. Also following on from the recent very successful British Interplanetary Society Reinventing Space Conference in Liverpool Alan was pleased to announce that the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) will be holding their annual conference in Liverpool in September 2024. This is the first time this conference has been held in the UK. Phil Carvil based in Daresbury is the President and the person to contact for more information.
Lydia Kerin and Ruby Motabhoy from Plexal then explained that the innovation company is government funded to work solving society’s challenges through collaboration with government, startups and industry. The business is closing the gap between organisations – small and large, local and global, private and public – and working towards a common goal: using science and technology to deliver national security and prosperity. Originally founded in 2017 in East London it now has additional offices in Manchester and Cheltenham and has worked with over 500 startups across innovation programmes since launch. Programmes are always free, with no IP or equity taken. Programme examples delivered include NCSC For Startups, Cyber Runway, AWS Defence, and the DiSH accelerator. Open applications for all projects and programmes can be found on the Plexal website.
John Young, Head of Space Future Business then gave a presentation on BAE Systems. The company has been ground processing of space data for 20 years, and in 2021 got more involved in space itself when they purchased In-Space Missions. They have collaborated with Finnish space company ICEYE for several years and more recently invested in the company. He gave an overview of some of the work undertaken by BAE Systems and then described the Azalea satellite cluster due to be launched into low earth orbit in 2025 to deliver high quality information and intelligence in real time to military customers.
The Azalea satellites using a range of sensors will collect optical, radio frequency and radar data and processing the data onboard using machine learning will deliver it securely anywhere in the world. Finally John covered the development work undertaken on advanced concepts in sensors, ground systems and antennas from subsea to space use.
Following a break for refreshments and networking attendees had the opportunity to give a two minute lightening pitch. Speakers included Natalie Cachet of Primary Engineering, James Miller PWHytek, Martin Collins Hi-Impact, Chris King, Adam Paigge Supernova Labs, Ian Bannister Department for Business Trade, Rose May Business Incubation, Paul Bhatia ESA Business Applications Ambassador, Ray Stott Space Specialists, Doug Robinson Keplar Communications, Andrey Lopantsev Asteroid Mining Corporation, Rob Adlard Gravitilab Aerospace Services and Thales Alenia Space. The pitches covered a wide range of topics from Communications, Spaceplanes, Media, Data Science, Consulting, Asteroid Mining, Composites, Thin Film Solar Cells and Stem Learning to Space Based Solar Wireless Charging.
Another very interesting and useful Space Cluster meeting. For more information on this and Space generally contact Bob Morris bob.morris@thensc-uk.com