Plans unveiled for stronger European Space Agency presence in UK and space skills training

A plan to build on the success of the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT), which employs more than 100 people in Harwell, has been launched today by the UK and European space agencies.

The joint plan, unveiled during the Farnborough International Airshow, includes strengthening work on the centre's 5G/6G hub with a focus on satellite telecommunications and the wider applications of satellite services, which already support around £360 billion of UK GDP.  

The space agencies will explore the potential for a space quantum technologies laboratory and the further development of activities related to in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing – vital for improving sustainability, prolonging the lifetime of satellites in orbit, and delivering new services to businesses and citizens.  

The UK Space Agency has also announced five new projects, worth £2.1 million, to help tackle key skills gaps identified by the UK space industry. The funding will boost the availability of training programmes, courses and other learning interventions that can break down barriers to opportunities within this fast-growing, high-tech sector.  

The projects will be led by the universities of Edinburgh, Leicester and Portsmouth, the Royal Institute of Navigation, and Plastron Training, a specialist provider of training services focused on safety in the commercial space sector.  

UK Space Agency CEO Dr Paul Bate said: 

As a founding member of the European Space Agency, UK scientists and engineers contribute to global scientific and commercial space endeavors, furthering human knowledge and bringing the benefits of space technologies to citizens on Earth.  

Together with ESA, we believe there is vast potential to build on the success of the ECSAT facility in Harwell, to support even more businesses, accelerate the development of new technologies and take advantage of the UK's wider strengths in science and innovation.  

As space is a growing industry, we are also taking concrete steps to improve the availability of dedicated training programmes, which will help address skills gaps identified by the sector.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said:  

ECSAT is ESA's home in the UK and a vital facility for Europe's overall space ambitions. Together with the UK Space Agency we want to build on ECSAT's leadership role in commercial space applications and telecommunications, push forward new initiatives in high-growth areas, deliver better services to all European citizens, and grow our UK workforce to 200 people by 2030.  

I've enjoyed spending time at Farnborough this week and meeting with so many of our current, and potential future, partners who we will work with to make this shared vision a reality.” 

Notes to editors ECSAT 

ESA's European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) at Harwell is the headquarters of ESA's Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. It also supports work on commercialisation, Earth observation, human and robotic exploration and space technology. It is the home of ESA's Moonlight programme, the flagship 5G/6G hub and the ESA Climate Office.  

UK Space Agency Training Programme – project details Fundamentals of Sustainable Space Engineering, Law, and Operations (FSSELO): £450,000 

Led by the University of Leicester, in partnership with Alden Legal and Meridian Space Command.  

If you've ever dreamed of working in the thriving space sector, the University of Leicester can put you on the launchpad to a thrilling new career thanks to UK Space Agency funding. Whether creating your own company, joining an SME or preparing for a role in a multi-national space business - the University, alongside partners Alden Legal and Meridian Space Command, are offering a primer for those seeking new careers in the industry. Fundamentals of Sustainable Space Engineering, Law and Operations is a flexible professional development course which provides learners with a clear understanding of the science, engineering, regulation and applications of space missions, and the international factors which drive space activities. Offering up to seven weeks of accredited training, the course is delivered at Space Park Leicester, the University's pioneering £100 million science and innovation park, and delivered by a team who are internationally respected in the sector.  

Securing the Future of Space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD course: £350,000 

Led by the University of Portsmouth, in partnership with the University of Southampton, the University of Surrey, and Space South Central. 

This course addresses skills gaps in the Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 around software, data and artificial intelligence (AI). It has been co-created to enable space sector companies to strategically navigate rapidly changing fields of AI and data-science. The course is a regional initiative of the Space South Central partnership of universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey with their rich heritage in space.  It leverages Space South Central's cluster expertise and industry insight of Orange Tree Ltd. Addressing both retention and recruitment at mid-career level in the space sector, it delivers breadth of understanding, strategic knowledge on space sector bids, professional development and bespoke skills development in algorithms and software. Whether a space sector company looking to upskill your employees or an individual from any sector seeking training to take the next exciting step in your career.  

Register interest by contacting Dan Smith: dan.smith@port.ac.uk. 

Space Applications Learning Hub: £350,000 

Led by the Royal Institute of Navigation, in partnership with Space Professionals Partnership, Geospatial Ventures Ltd, and the Space Skills Alliance. 

Space Applications Learning Hub will deliver expert-led training modules in systems engineering, data/AI/ML and commercial operations across positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), Earth observation (EO/GIS) and satellite communications. Online courses will run in October, November and December 2024, with in-person delivery in January, February and March 2025. Dates and details will be shared on the Royal Institute of Navigation website over the summer. All these courses will be free to join.  

An accessible, interactive learning hub will be created on the Royal Institute of Navigation website with access to these and a wide range of other training and CPD resources after the grant, from April 2025. 

Space Bridges: £520,000 

Led by the University of Edinburgh, in partnership with Fife College. 

Run by the University of Edinburgh and Fife College, workers are being offered the chance to take their skills into orbit by enrolling in ground-breaking courses to prepare them for opportunities in the UK's growing space industry. The Space Bridges project is offering short courses to upskill and inspire our future space and geospatial workforce, addressing skills gaps within identified areas of software and data, commercial operations, systems engineering, as well as transferrable skills, and sector support. Whether you are a technically minded school leaver, an experienced professional looking to move into the space sector, or are seeking specialised knowledge to advance your career in the space industry, we have a course for you. This training programme seeks to recruit a range of skilled professionals and tradespeople. We are encouraging applications from those who have taken a career break including women returners, or those who are from a disadvantaged background.  

Register your interest on the Space Bridges Project website.

Space Systems: Engineering Test Best Practice (SS.ETBP): £450,000 

Led by Plastron Training Ltd, in partnership with the Space Skills Alliance, Lat51 Space Systems Ltd, European Astrotech Ltd, Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, and JMA Projects Ltd. 

Space technology must undergo a sequence of evidence-based tests to ensure it works as intended, since technology failure can result in the loss of launch vehicles and spacecraft. Thus, Engineering Test is essential for mitigating the risk of equipment failure and is involved in every stage of a mission - from design to operation.  

However, skills development in engineering test is not taught as a technical discipline in education or employment, so success relies on the competence of experienced technologists. 

The SiC4E Engineering Test Best Practice training programme introduces participants to core learning at key stages of their professional development, whether they are in Further Education, Higher Education, Early Career Start-ups or transitioning from other sectors. Our approach, drawing on 80 years of space engineering expertise, will embed good practices, benefiting business and enabling individuals with the proficiency to maintain quality and safety standards as well as enhance product innovation.