Cornwall Space Cluster - Satellite Applications Catapult

< Return to Cluster Directory

Text logo of "Cornwall Space Cluster" with a network of connected circles.

Cornwall Space Cluster

Overview

Hosting nearly 500 businesses across space data & aerospace, as well as Europe’s first licenced horizontal launch site and the world’s most capable commercial satellite ground station, Cornwall is rapidly becoming a world leading technology destination for businesses.

Set up in 2018, Cornwall Space Cluster brings together nearly 160 industry partners, fostering collaboration across data, space, and aerospace sectors. The Cluster is also the first location in the UK to offer degree apprenticeships in Space Operations.

See Cornwall Space Cluster’s strategy document here.

Key Contacts

Gail Eastaugh

Organisation: Cornwall Space Cluster
Role: Cornwall Space Cluster Lead

Facilities, Assets, and Academic Institutions

  • Enterprise Zones

  • Enterprise Zones enable businesses to cluster around centres of excellence in key sectors. Cornwall cluster hosts two enterprise zones, Goonhilly Enterprise Zone and Aerohub Enterprise Zone. Goonhilly Enterprise Zone is home to a world class space asset with a long history of world firsts.

    The Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Cornwall Airport Newquay is one of the UK’s largest designated Enterprise Zones, covering both airside and landside development sites. This includes the state-of-the-art airport facilities for aerospace and space businesses, as well as a 50 acre serviced Business Park for related activities.

    Find out more
  • Falmouth Launchpad

  • Entrepreneurial candidates have an opportunity to work on building the companies of tomorrow supported by experienced coaches, Entrepreneurs in Residence and mentors to help create in-demand, cutting-edge investible companies.

    Find out more
  • Falmouth University

  • With more than 120 years’ experience, professional facilities, teaching excellence, peerless connections and a vibrant creative community, Falmouth University is re-thinking the shape of higher education and delivering impactful research and innovation.

    Find out more
  • Goonhilly Earth Station

  • Goonhilly Earth Station has been the pioneering home of satellite communications since 1962. Now under the private management of Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd., it continues to be recognised as a premier ground station of choice for the world’s major satellite operators, and has expanded its services to include lunar and deep space communications.

    Find out more
  • Lizard Range

  • WholeShip’s Lizard Range is one of the largest ranges in the UK capable of testing autonomous air systems Beyond Visual Line Of Site (BVLOS). Located at Predannack Airfield on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, WholeShip brings together unique access to MoD owned segregated airspace, infrastructure and expertise to deliver Lizard Range: The UK’s independent, best and most cost effective UAS Test & Evaluation Facility.

    Find out more
  • National Drone Hub

  • An ideal environment for both fixed and rotary wing drone operations, dedicated to advancing UAV technology and operations. The Hub is situated on a sprawling 320 hectare site, just 600 metres from the sea, with four runways and multiple operating surfaces, as well as segregated airspace for BVLOS operations.

    Find out more
  • Spaceport Cornwall

  • Spaceport Cornwall is Europe’s horizonal launch location and hosts the Centre for Space Technology, as well as rocket and engine testing facilities. Their ambition is to provide a safe, dedicated and responsible way to access space, capable of supporting small satellite launches and connecting people, businesses and ideas.

    Find out more
  • The Penryn Campus

  • The only campus in the UK with three universities co-located and offers access to robotics, mining, environmental sustainability and artificial intelligence expertise as well as specific research, such as extrasolar planets, the dark environment and earth observation. This capability is supplemented by other learning centres including the Eden Project.

    Find out more
  • University of Exeter

  • The Institute for Environmental Intelligence undertakes cutting-edge research at the interface of Environment & Sustainability Science and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. They utilise cutting edge digital technologies to gain insight into our impact on the environment and use this to develop strategies to mitigate or reverse the effects of climate change. They work collaboratively with industry, policy makers and conservation agencies to translate research insights into real world impacts, with a particular emphasis on cross-departmental and solution-focussed research programmes, as we work towards net zero.

    Find out more
  • University of Plymouth

  • The University of Plymouth is a research institution whose vision includes delivering excellent interdisciplinary research, experiential education and civic engagement.

    Find out more

Partners

  • Cornwall Council

  • Cornwall Council is the unitary authority for Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

    Find out more
  • Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership

  • Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership is responsible for setting and driving the economic strategy for our area. In 2030 the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly creative and carbon-neutral economy will be realising opportunities for its people, communities and businesses to thrive, benefiting the environment and providing an outstanding quality of life for all.

    Find out more

Regional Strengths

For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue. For more information on the technical areas, see the Investor Launchpad Capability Brochures.

Silhouettes of large satellite dishes against a starry night sky, with a sunset glow on the horizon.
01

Satellite operations and communications

01

Satellite operations and communications

Goonhilly Earth Station is a leader in space communications, providing mission contact mapping and digital twin products for mission simulations and training. Partnering with Avanti Communications, they aim to enhance mission operations, protect communities, and expand opportunities for people, businesses, and organizations worldwide, connecting 1.7 billion people across 118 countries.

A rocket launching from Earth, leaving a bright trail against the backdrop of a starry space.
02

Space transport

02

Space transport

Spaceport Cornwall was the first licensed spaceport in the UK, hosting the UK’s inaugural horizontal launch. While the launch ultimately did not result in a successful orbital injection, there remains infrastructure in place to support future launch attempts, such as the Centre for Space Technologies, which includes the Space Systems Operations Facility, and the Space Systems Integration Facility.

Current Market Focus & Opportunities

For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue. 

Two men examining a large drone on a table in a modern workshop.
01

Aerospace and space flight systems

01

Aerospace and space flight systems

Spaceport Cornwall offers opportunities for businesses looking to develop, integrate, launch and operate space systems, while Cornwall Airport Newquay, Wholeship’s Lizard Range and Land’s End Airport are key centres in the UK for testing, evaluating and operating Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).

Person typing on a laptop with colorful data streams flowing out of the screen, symbolizing digital information exchange.
02

Data analytics

02

Data analytics

Building on existing data infrastructure, Cornwall can enhance its capabilities in processing and analysing satellite data, supporting applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster response. The region has also invested in high-speed internet and digital skills development, fostering innovation in data analytics, cybersecurity, and software development.

Two astronauts on the moon look at the starry sky, with a lunar rover and habitat module in the background.
03

Human spaceflight and exploration

03

Human spaceflight and exploration

Goonhilly Earth Station recently announced that it will provide lunar and terrestrial connectivity support to NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Service (CLPS) initiative, as part of a mission aiming to attempt In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) on the Moon. Blue Abyss - the world’s deepest pool - is also located in Cornwall and has recently signed an agreement with NASA’s Glenn Research Centre to be a key training facility to train for human spaceflight.