Overview
The Harwell Space Cluster forms an integral part of the UK’s Space Sector, having grown into a dynamic ecosystem of over 100 space organisations that employ more than 1,600 people. The campus boasts £3 billion in scientific infrastructure including 14 national facilities, one of which is RAL space, who hold more than 60 years of expertise and a portfolio of over 210 space instruments. Notably, the newly opened National Satellite Test Facility offers comprehensive satellite testing services, enhancing the UK’s capabilities in satellite development and deployment.
The cluster is working towards hosting 200 organisations and 5,000 employees by 2030, co-located alongside world-class research facilities and government agencies. Empowered by a multidisciplinary environment and strong international links, Harwell is a premier destination for companies looking to grow within the UK and expand globally.
Harwell has enabled companies over the last decade to start with a couple of employees in an office to scale in size into their own dedicated building on site. Support for incubation, funding, technical partnerships and expertise offers cluster members a unique place to grow. See our organisations here: https://www.harwellcampus.com/organisations-list/
See the STFC Cluster Strategy, which covers Harwell Space Cluster, here.
Join the Harwell Cluster Group on the Space Enterprise Community platform here.
Key Contacts
Hugh Mortimer
Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Role: Space Cluster Manager
Facilities, Assets, and Academic Institutions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Plymouth is a research institution whose vision includes delivering excellent interdisciplinary research, experiential education and civic engagement.
Partners
Cornwall Council is the unitary authority for Cornwall in the United Kingdom.
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.
Regional Strengths
For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue. For more information on the technical areas, see the Investor Launchpad Capability Brochures.
