England - Midlands and South East - Space In The UK

Higher Education

Brunel University

Uxbridge

The university offers Aerospace Engineering as a course.

Coventry University

Coventry

The university offers courses in Aerospace Systems Engineering, and Aerospace Technology.

Cranfield University

Two campuses: Cranfield, Bedfordshire and Shrivenham, Swindon.

The university offers Astronautics and Space Engineering as a course.

Imperial College London

London

The university offers courses in Physics with Theoretical Physics, and Aeronautical Engineering.

King's College London

London

The university offers a course in Physics with Theoretical Physics as well as a Space Physiology & Health MSc which is run in partnership with the crew medical support office of the European Space Agency.

Kingston University

Kingston-upon-Thames

The university offers courses in Aerospace Engineering, and Astronautics and Space Technology.

Loughborough University

Loughborough

The university offers courses in Physics with Cosmology, Aeronautical Engineering, and Engineering Physics.

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham

The university offers Physics with Astrophysics as a course.

Queen Mary, University of London

London

The university offers courses in Aerospace Engineering, Theoretical Physics, and Astrophysics.

Royal Holloway, University of London

London

The university offers courses in Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, and Physics with Particle Physics.

Solihull College

Solihull

The college offers Aerospace Engineering as a course.

Staffordshire University

Stoke-on-Trent

The university offers Aeronautical Technology as a course.

The University of Birmingham

Birmingham

The university offers Physics and Astrophysics as a course.

The University of Kent

Canterbury

The university offers courses in Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics, and Physics with Astrophysics.

The University of Nottingham

Nottingham

The university offers courses in Physics with Astronomy, Physics with Theoretical Physics, and Physics with Theoretical Astrophysics.

University College London

London

The university offers courses in Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, and Earth Sciences (Planetary Science route).

University of Cambridge

Cambridge

The university offers Natural Sciences (Astrophysics) as a course.

University of Hertfordshire

Hatfield

The university offers courses in Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering with Space Technology.

University of Leicester

Leicester

The university offers courses in Aerospace Engineering, Physics with Space Science and Technology, Physics with Planetary Science, and Physics with Astrophysics.

University of Southampton

Southampton

The university offers courses in Aeronautics & Astronautics/Spacecraft Engineering, Mechanical Engineering/Aerospace, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics with Astronomy, Physics with Space Science, and Physics with Astronomy.

University of Surrey

Guildford

The university offers courses in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics with Satellite Engineering, Space Technology & Planetary Exploration, Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics, and Physics with Satellite Technology.

University of Sussex

Brighton

The university offers courses in Astrophysics, Physics and Astronomy, Theoretical Physics, and Physics with Astrophysics.

Industry

4Links Ltd

Milton Keynes

4Links design, prototype and build high-performance fault-tolerant data communication networks.

ABSL Space Products

Abingdon

ABSL Space Products is located in Oxfordshire in the UK and Colorado, USA. ABSL designs, develops and manufactures a range of space hardware products for satellites, rovers and launch vehicles including primary lithium batteries, secondary lithium-ion batteries, radiometric calibration systems, LIDAR instrument technologies and UHF antennas.

ABSL is recognised as the world leader in lithium-ion batteries for space, having over 60 successful launches to date.

ABSL's radiometric calibration systems are, considered as industry leading. Key strengths include heritage, reliability and accuracy.

ADS Group Ltd

London

ADS Group Limited (A|D|S) is the trade organisation advancing UK AeroSpace, Defence and Security industries, with Farnborough International Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary. A|D|S also encompasses the British Aviation Group (BAG). It has been formed through the merger of the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers (APPSS), the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) and the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC).

AdvoTek Ltd

Hitchin

Combining over 30 years of experience working in the space industry in the areas of design, development, manufacture, test and approvals of satellite mechanisms, systems and equipment. AdvoTek are specialists in due dilligence, problem solving, technical audits, reviewing, interim management and customer representation.

Aero Sekur Limited

Farnborough

Aero Sekur is a specialist manufacturer of safety systems and advanced flexible structures for the aerospace and defence markets. Supporting an international customer base, the company has a facility that is over 150,000 sq ft, housing state of the art technology and invests heavily in R&D. Aero Sekur initiatives are instrumental in supporting the next stage of space exploration.

Areas of expertise include planetary landing systems, planetary and orbital habitats, re-entry systems, inflatable space structures and space agriculture. Current products under development include an emergency module utilising the latest heat shield technology and an inflatable module for manned space applications.

Astrium Ltd

Stevenage

Astrium Ltd, with over 3,000 employees in Portsmouth, Stevenage and Poynton, is the UK arm of EADS Astrium, Europe’s No. 1 Space company and an industry world leader. Its activities cover the design, manufacture and test of complete civil and military telecommunications and Earth observation satellites and ground systems, scientific and planetary exploration spacecraft, navigation satellites and all spacecraft avionics, payloads, instruments and equipment. EADS Astrium also designs and builds a range of launch vehicles and space infrastructure and is a leading provider of satellite services through its Paradigm Secure Communications and Infoterra subsidiaries.

Avanti Communications Group plc

London

Avanti is a satellite operator, specialising in satellite broadband and content distribution services across Europe through its channel partners. Avanti’s first satellite, HYLAS 1, will be launched second quarter 2010 and its second Ka-band satellite, HYLAS 2, will launch in 2012 covering Europe, Middle East and Africa.

BHR Group Limited

Cranfield

BHR Group is a research and technology company offering development, testing and consultancy services in the broad field of fluid dynamics and mechanics.

British Association of Remote Sensing Companies

Farnborough

The British Association of Remote Sensing Companies was established in 1985 as a trade association to develop and promote the interests of its member companies. BARSC represents its members' views to government departments and agencies responsible for developing policies and programmes relevant to Earth Observation. BARSC also provides a forum for outreach to users in vertical sectors (environment, engineering etc.).

BT Innovate & Design

London

BT has been in satellite communications since its inception over 40 years ago. In its earlier days it was a founder and key member of the three main intergovernmental consortia INTELSAT, EUTELSAT and Inmarsat before these were privatised during the last decade. BT continues to offer satellite solutions as part of its mission to meet the IT networked service needs of its customers which are increasingly outside the UK and are multinational in nature. BT offers customised vsat services as well as satellite broadband products to support the ever wider reach of its customers. In 2007 it purchase COMSAT International which offers similar satellite capabilities in the Americas and Turkey.

C-MAC MicroTechnology

Great Yarmouth

C-MAC MicroTechnology has a 25 year history of manufacturing and supplying Space grade thick film resistor networks and hybrid microcircuits into both the US and European markets.

CGC Technology Ltd

Farnham

CGC Technology specialises in precision tracking antenna solutions for Remote Sensing, Communications and TT&C.

Cobham Antenna Systems

Newmarket

Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas specialise in the development and manufacture of antennas within 250MHz to 40GHz. Antennas for satellite applications include ground based and mobile, passive and active GPS antennas.

Cobham MAL Ltd

Milton Keynes

Cobham MAL Ltd is a designer and manufacturer of microwave semiconductors, hybrid components and multifunction components for space and military applications. Cobham MAL Ltd has supplied parts qualified to ESA and project specific specifications for space payloads since 1976.Cobham MAL Ltd has completed formal qualification testing to ESA/SCC 5010 for a range of UK manufactured microwave diodes. Their facilities are also available for assembly, screening and qualification testing of customer supplied designs and piece parts.

Cobham Technical Services

Leatherhead

Cobham Technical Services specialises in the design, development, manufacture and supply of small to medium-sized Earth station antenna systems and terminals, particularly for professional use such as satellite news gathering, broadcasting and military communications.

Com Dev Europe Limited

Aylesbury

COM DEV Europe offers a comprehensive range of expertise in the space sector and has a full capability in the design and manufacture of filters, multiplexers, ferrite devices, integrated assemblies, active RF and electronic equipment for communication, Earth observation and remote sensing satellites. With participation on more than 75 missions over the last 25 years from both commercial and institutional clients, COM DEV Europe has developed significant RF, DC and digital heritage on programmes with all the major Space Primes.

Critical Software Technologies Ltd

Southampton

Critical Software Technologies specialises in providing services related to high integrity, software intensive, safety and mission critical systems. Critical has been involved in the development of systems for all three segments of the space industry: ground control, launchers and on-board software.

DELTACAT Limited

Fareham

DELTACAT specialises in designing, producing and testing demonstration-scale rocket thrusters for customers. DELTACAT also provides expert consultancy in the field of hydrodynamics, especially in connection with mathematical modelling of flows around ships and underwater vehicles. Customers include the European Commission, the US Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base, the European Space Agency and QinetiQ plc.

DMC International Imaging Limited

Guildford

DMCii Ltd. supplies world-wide rapid revisit imaging and related services. The international constellation of optical imaging satellites coordinated by DMCii offers daily repeat imagery through a managed service, or direct to groundstation. For specific applications development and delivery, DMCii provides tailored products, training and consultancy to meet a wide variety of project requirements, particularly in agriculture, disaster monitoring and forestry. DMCii is a wholly owned subsidiary of the satellite manufacturer Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., offering global presence and local service.

e2e Services Ltd

Old Hatfield

e2e are experienced in the commercial, technical and operational management of satellite and mobile telecommunications networks, working for government, military and commercial organisations.

e2v

Chelmsford

e2v’s imaging sensors are used by the world’s major space agencies and space industry, in star tracking guidance systems, in high performances earth observation systems and as critical sensing components within the scientific instruments on board.

EOCI

Woking

EOCI provides advice and support in the Environment Sector, based on extensive practical experience in the uses of Satellite and Airborne systems in monitoring the environment: land, urban, marine, coastal, ice-fields.

eOsphere Limited

Newbury

eOsphere, formerly VexcelUK, was established in 2001 and supports complete systems, ranging from ground station technology and data links to expertise in satellite image analysis. eOsphere has specialised in sea ice monitoring since it was established and has a strong focus on solving real problems using remote sensing data for companies operating in ice-infested waters.

European Astrotech Limited

Aylesbury

The Company’s main business areas are chemical propellant analysis and material compatibility characterisation in propellants.

The Company also provides test and launch preparation services for propulsion systems, utilising pressurisation and propellant handling equipment, as well as associated documentation support (plans, procedures, safety submissions).

Fluid Gravity Engineering Ltd

Emsworth

FGE uses advanced techniques in computational physics to model a variety of problems. In space applications their main area of expertise is the modelling of atmospheric entry addressing issues of aerothermodynamics, aerodynamics, trajectory. In addition they have carried out studies on propulsion systems.

Harmonic Software Systems Ltd

Horsham

Harmonic Software Systems Ltd supplies software development services to commercial and military customers throughout the UK and Europe. They specialise in developing device drivers, communication protocols, test suites and complete applications for Real Time Operating Systems such as WindRiver™ VxWorks (used by NASA in the Phoenix Mars Lander), Express Logic™ ThreadX (used by NASA in the Deep Impact Space Probe), Embedded Linux and also desktop applications for Microsoft Windows and Linux.

Helios

Farnborough

Helios is recognised as the market leader in air traffic management and satellite navigation consultancy, and is increasingly active across other supporting and related markets.

Hypertac Ltd

London

Hypertac is a world leader in the provision of high performance electrical interconnect solutions for Space applications.

Infoterra Ltd

Farnborough

Infoterra provide geo-information products and services for managing the development, environment and security of our changing world. Infoterra provides operational products and services across the entire geo-information spectrum - data acquisition and processing, imagery analysis and interpretation, hosting and delivery of large datasets, as well as offering GIS development and consultancy.

Inmarsat Ltd

London

Inmarsat has stood at the forefront of mobile satellite services for nearly 30 years. They are internationally recognised as pioneers in their field and continue to introduce new technologies that redefine the standard for the industry. Their new Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service, for example, is now enabling TV broadcasters to beam breaking news 'live via videophone' into millions of homes. And in future, when you make a mobile phone call or send a text message from an aircraft, most likely it will be transmitted via Inmarsat satellites to the ground.

Isotron Ltd

Didcot

Isotron offers space radiation testing facilities for satellite components and materials.

Laser Transport International Ltd

Hythe

Laser International provide specialist transport and freight forwarding services to the aerospace industry in the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Magna Parva Ltd

Bardon Hill

Magna Parva are a leading provider of design, analysis, research and development services and hardware to the Space industry.

Martin Ince Communications Limited

London

Martin Ince Communications Ltd offers a full range of communications skills to the UK and international space community.

MDA Space and Robotics Limited

Chilton, Didcot

MDA Space and Robotics Ltd (MDSRL) is a subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) of Canada. It is based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) at Chilton in the UK. The company sells a range of high resolution low cost space cameras from 10 metre resolution to sub 1 metre resolution to an international market. With the TopSat mission, launched in 2005, flying the RALCam 1 (a 2.5 metre resolution camera), and the subsequent development of RALCam 4 (a 1 metre resolution camera), global interest has been growing for low cost, high resolution imaging satellites.

MT Aerospace Satellite Products Ltd

Wolverhampton

MT Aerospace Satellite Products Ltd. provides propellant tanks for Commercial Satellites, Science, Earth Observation, Navigation Satellites.

Regarding the commercial satellites they produce propellant tanks, including the propellant management device based on surface tension principles for the Astrium 3000 platform.

Mullard Space Science Laboratory

Dorking

MSSL is the largest University based Space Science Laboratory in the UK. In the past 40 years, MSSL instruments have been flown on more than 200 missions.

National Physical Laboratory Management Ltd

Teddington

NPL is a world-leading scientific centre for precision measurement, ensuring consistency, traceability and understanding of measurement uncertainty. NPL has been involved in Space for over 30 years. Projects include optical atomic clock technologies for spacecraft and ground stations, precise timing algorithms for GNSS, formation flying optimisation, calibration & validation for EO instrumentation, space-borne TRUTHS, micronewton thrust balances, end-to-end data product QC/QA and advanced materials applications. NPL provides multi-discipline measurement strategies and training for Space Agency and Industry accreditation and expert Knowledge Exchange services, including Knowledge Transfer Networks such as the UK's Location & Timing group of the Digital Systems KTN and also the Sensors & Instrumentation KTN.

Nottingham Scientific Ltd

Nottingham

NSL is one of the leading companies in Europe involved in satellite navigation. They specialise in delivering reliable and robust Global Navigation Satellite System technologies for a variety of applications, such as those that impact safety, or are critical in terms of business and finance.

Planetary Visions Limited

Reading

Planetary Visions offers a range of value-added products and services derived from Earth observation satellite imagery and digital maps. They specialise in the production of high-quality geographical and astronomical computer graphics for television, corporate video, print and multimedia.

Polar Imaging Limited

Andover

Polar Imaging was established in 2006 for the development of technologies, and markets, associated with the use of earth observation at high latitudes, where ice and remote locations act as challenges to a range of operators.

Prodrive Limited

Banbury

The processes and facilities Prodrive employs to manufacture the precision components and systems for its motorsport programmes are now being used by businesses in the space and defence sectors.

QinetiQ Group PLC

Farnborough

QinetiQ work alongside their customers to create innovative technology solutions for developing products and services of the future. Their space activities are built upon the 40-year legacy of the Space Department, with its beginnings in the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough, through the Defence Research Agency (DRA), the Defence Through its defence heritage, QinetiQ offers enabling technologies to enable the most demanding science and exploration missions, as well as providing turn-key space systems. QinetiQ's mission in space extends to the provision of safety and security through Earth Observation to developing technology and services.

Reaction Engines Limited

Abingdon

Reaction Engines Ltd is leading the SKYLON spaceplane programme which is intended to provide inexpensive and reliable access to space. The company is also developing technologies for SKYLON, such as the SABRE Engine and Heat Exchangers.

Rockwell Collins UK Limited

Reading

Rockwell Collins is a leader in the design, production and support of Aerospace and Defence Electronic Systems worldwide. Rockwell Collins UK Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rockwell Collins Inc, and currently employs approximately 580 people in the UK. Rockwell Collins UK Limited is a company with many years experience in aviation electronics, communications, software, simulation and training.

Satellite Propulsion Research Ltd

Havant

Satellite Propulsion Research Ltd (SPR Ltd) was formed in October 2000 as the corporate vehicle for progressing the development of a new form of electric propulsion. This electromagnetic “EmDrive” technology provides direct conversion of electrical energy to thrust, using radiation pressure at microwave frequencies in a tapered, high Q, resonant cavity.

Satellite Services Ltd

Stevenage

Design, development and manufacture of low cost satellite sub-systems targetted at small satellite missions. For example, can supply sun, Earth and star sensors, magnetometers, magnetorquers, gyros and reaction wheels. Works in partnership with other suppliers who can provide RF, power, battery, data handling systems and deployable booms.

Scoutek Ltd

Melton Mowbray

Scoutek is solidly based on over 40 years of experience in exploration and inspection technology, in the arenas of terrestrial, archaeological, space and subsea. Scoutek personnel have consistently been, and continually strive to be, at the forefront of advances in robotics and nondestructive testing.

Serco Europe

Hook

Serco is a leading supplier of technical services to national and international space agencies in both the civil and defence fields. They provide support to Space programmes through the provision of Integrated Space Solutions and Managed Specialist Resources. The company employs around 50,000 staff worldwide, a proportion of whom are professional engineers and qualified technicians with many years of space experience in the areas of ground segment, space segment, data processing, information and communication technology for customers such as UK MoD, Paradigm, ESA, EC Joint Research Centre, CERN and the Italian Space Agency.

Shadow Robot Company Ltd

London

Shadow is a leading developer of advanced robotic components and systems, specialising in giving robots the same manipulation capabilities as humans – in short, giving robots hands. Shadow's Dextrous Hand technology can be used on earth to keep humans away from sterile environments or to work with hazardous substances, and Shadow are working with ESA on the process of qualifying it for space.

SimComm Europe Ltd

Spalding

SimComm Europe was established in 1994 by journalist Clive Simpson and provides a full range of PR, media and website services to space companies, space agencies and space organisations throughout Europe.

Space ConneXions Limited

Harpenden

Space ConneXions Limited (SCL) provides management and technical support to commercial and governmental organisations requiring independent expertise in the space market. The company's services include proactive management and co-ordination of Earth observation data exploitation projects and specification of space data communication protocols. SCL's consultants work with universities and industry to provide cost effective solutions for both domestic and international clients.

Space Insight Ltd

Eastbourne

Space Insight Limited is a provider of observation and space situational awareness (SSA) services to clients who need greater comprehension of the growing population of objects in near-Earth space.

The company has experience and expertise in designing, implementing and operating robotic space surveillance sensors; carrying out astrometry and photometry on satellites and other objects in Earth orbit; analysing and interpreting observations to inform, to generate knowledge, and to provide understanding; providing critical appraisal and independent advocacy on space situational awareness issues and strategic policy.

Space Science and Technology Department

Didcot

The Space Science and Technology Department (SSTD) at RAL, (STFC) carries out an exciting range of world-class space research and technology development. With significant involvement in over 180 missions, SSTD are at the forefront of UK space research. SSTD’s expertise covers a wide range of disciplines including: astronomy, solar physics, planetary physics, fundamental physics, earth observation, atmospheric chemistry and radio propagation. SSTD’s engineering disciplines include space electronics, detector systems, thermal and mechanical engineering, optics design, software engineering and e-science.


SSTD provide space test and ground based facilities, design and build instruments, analyse and process data, and operate ground station facilities.

Spur Electron

Havant

Spur Electron Limited is a privately owned company, located in 8,000 sq ft of purpose built office, laboratory and cleanroom space. The company was established in 1982 to provide specialist Component Engineering. Services to the European Space Agency and their prime contractors. These services have been expanded to include design, component engineering, laboratory services, assembly and test.

STFC Cryogenics

Didcot

The Cryogenics Group at STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory has special experience and patented technology in long-life cryocoolers for space applications, most recently demonstrated by the 4K cooling stage on the Planck satellite, successfully operating since launch in 2009. Cryocooler technology has been licensed for manufacture in Europe & North America. Research is also being conducted in regenerators. In conjunction with the Space Science Division, multi-layer insulation can be designed and installed to exacting standards.

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited

Guildford

SSTL is a world leader in the design, manufacture and operation of high performance small satellites, specialising in innovative technologies which enable rapid-build, low cost space missions. Operating from three sites in south east England SSTL provide all the facilities necessary for the company's vertically integrated operation - satellite and payload design, manufacturing, test and post-launch operations. SSTL's team of expert engineers is designing satellites for LEO, MEO and GEO missions as well as concepts for science missions to the moon, inner planets, near Earth objects and Mars.

Tessella plc

Stevenage

Tessella provide technical support in the following main areas: Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS); Entry, Descent and Landing System (EDLS) design and analysis; orbital dynamics and mission analysis; pointing error analysis; hardware modelling.

Thales UK plc

Near Weybridge

Thales UK is a leader in aerospace and defence prime contracting, systems and equipment. Within the Space Domain Thales is also part of the Space Alliance with Finmeccanica, a joint venture including Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio, two of Europe’s leading space companies. Within the UK Thales specialises in satcom services and terminals and is the world leading supplier of aero sat com terminals. Thales UK has a broad range of Navigation and System Security capabilities serving the space sector.

The Auriga Network

London

With over eight years experience in satellite IP data distribution and live video broadcasting, the Company specialises in providing fixed and mobile satellite communications solutions for both long-term and short-term requirements. The Auriga Network maintains its own network management facilities, monitoring facilities and Customer Service Centre based in the UK.

Tpoint Software

Abingdon

Software and consultancy for precise pointing of telescopes and antennae.

Virgin Galactic

London

Virgin Galactic is aiming to be the world’s first spaceline, established by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group to undertake the challenge of making space access safe, environmentally benign and affordable.

Virgin Galactic hopes to open up new opportunities for space endeavours as it begins commercial operational flights in the early years of this decade, and will support Virgin's ambitions to lead the world in energy and environmentally efficient transportation from air to ground to space.

Vorticity Ltd

Chalgrove

Vorticity is a centre of excellence for aerospace systems engineering consultancy and space systems development, specialising in entry, descent and landing systems for space vehicles. Vorticity has extensive experience of EDLS system analysis, design and testing. Vorticity are world-class in parachute and airbag system design for extra-terrestrial applications.