Connected Capability Networks
CCNs
Strengthening UK space innovation through collaboration
Connected Capability Networks
Established by the Satellite Applications Catapult in 2023, the Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) were created to address a key challenge in the UK space sector: the fragmentation of expertise and infrastructure across different localities and sectors.
Each CCN brings together stakeholders from both the space and non-space communities to explore shared challenges and unlock opportunities for collaboration, aligned to national priorities and needs.
At their core, the networks aim to:
- Map and link organisations, facilities, and technologies that don’t ordinarily connect
- Increase visibility of the potential of space data and technology to non-space sectors
- Accelerate innovation through increased collaboration and investment
Each CCN is:
Theme-Led
Focused on a specific and strategic area of national interest aligned to SAC missions
Partner-Driven
Delivered by local space clusters and partners with Satellite Applications Catapult support
Visit our Cluster DirectoryInsight-Informed
Shaped by evidence, shared knowledge, and expert opinions
Action-Oriented
Designed to kick-start new research and development collaborations and commercial partnerships
How can you engage with a CCN?
Whether you’re a company, a policymaker, or an academic, if you’re seeking to
- access opportunities for collaboration and innovation
- align with partners who share your goals
- help shape the future of the UK space sector
- or learn more about a CCN’s thematic area
Find out more about each network and how to contact their deliver teams below:
Meet the CCNs
UK Earth Observation Network for Sustainability (UK-EONS) Network
Theme: Earth Observation for Climate and Sustainability
Lead: Space Hub Yorkshire
Partners: National Centre for Earth Observation, Newcastle University, Space East, Space North East England, Tracsis Geo Intelligence, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Yorkshire Universities.
Other Partners: Cornwall Space Cluster, Harwell Space Cluster, Northern Ireland Space, SatSense, Space Park Leicester, Space Wales.
Focus:
- Reducing barriers to Earth observation (EO) data for sustainability and climate-change-related applications
- Integrating space-enabled insights with local sustainability strategies
- Building a cross-sectoral community to co-develop scalable EO applications
UK Autonomous and Connected Earth (UK-ACE) Network
Theme: Integrated Connectivity and Autonomy
Lead: Harwell Space Cluster
Partners: Cornwall Space Cluster, North West Space Cluster, Northern Ireland Space, Space East, Space North East England.
Focus:
- Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks to enable seamless, location-independent connectivity
- Mapping UK capabilities and building new partnerships across and beyond the space sector
- Exploring collaborative innovation in areas such as:
- Mobility, Navigation and Transportation
- 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Network Convergence
- Photonics and Optical Communications
- Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
- Satellite Broadband and Infrastructure Resilience
UK Cybersecurity in Space (CySpace) Connected Capability
Theme: Cybersecurity in Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
Lead: Space West Cluster
Partners: National Composite Centre, University of Bristol, Frazer Nash Consulting, Space South Central, North West Space Cluster, Space North East England, Space Wales, Space East and NI Space
Focus:
- Define UK wide requirements for SDA and cyber security capabilities
- Map SDA and cyber security capabilities across the UK
- Analyse gaps in our existing cyber and space capabilities to generate recommendations towards a more resilient space domain
- Raise awareness of the importance of securing SDA
UK Beyond Earth Connected Capability Network
Theme: Expanding UK Leadership in the Beyond Earth Economy
Lead: North West Space Cluster
Partners: Space East, Space Wales, Westcott Space Cluster, Harwell Space Cluster, Hertfordshire Futures
Focus:
- Strengthening the UK’s position in the fast-emerging beyond-Earth economy
- Building national capability in in-space operations, infrastructure, and logistics
- Supporting innovation and collaboration in:
- In-Space Manufacturing and R&D
- Adoption of In-Space Logistics Services
Space Enterprise Community
In the meantime, we encourage you to join the Space Enterprise Community (SEC) platform to connect to industry, academia and government stakeholders benefiting from the power of space data and technology