< Return to Cluster Directory
Harwell Space Cluster
Overview
Today, the Harwell Space Cluster forms an integral part of the UK’s space sector and has grown into a dynamic, enterprising ecosystem of 105 space organisations employing over 1,400 people. At the gravitational heart of our cluster is RAL Space. With more than 50 years of expertise, it has flown over 210 instruments into space, including the Gaia Spacecraft, surveying a billion stars in our galaxy since 2013. The European Space Agency (ESA) established a major hub for satellite communications here in 2009. Other core organisations include the UK Space Agency, the ESA Business Incubation Centre, the Satellite Applications Catapult, and Astroscale – a leading company tackling the critical problem of space debris.
Whether it’s around funding space research or sending kit into space, our focus on inward investment also attracts a whole range of organisations, from small businesses and young start-ups to multinational aerospace companies like Airbus and Lockheed Martin. Over the last decade, companies like Oxford Space Systems (OSS) have grown from start-up to major producer of lightweight satellite hardware structures. Support for incubation, acceleration, funding, technical partnerships and expertise offers cluster members a unique place to grow or find industry partners, facilitated by our dedicated cluster manager, Gemma Wilson. And, unlike any other space cluster on Earth, every person here is only a walk or bike ride away from incredible open access facilities.
See Harwell Space Cluster’s strategy document here.
Key Contacts
Barbara Ghinelli
Gemma Wilson
Facilities & Assets
-
Astroscale
Established in Tokyo in 2013, Astroscale’s vision is “to make space sustainable”. The company is the world’s first private organisation that’s dedicated to making space a safer environment for future generations. Astroscale specialises in developing innovative and scalable in-orbit solutions that include end of life, active debris removal, satellite life extension and space situational awareness.
-
European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre
The ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom (ESA BIC UK) is part of ESA Space Solutions and provides start-ups with technical expertise and facilities, business support, networking, office space and funding needed to overcome innovation challenges and accelerate business growth. Part of ESA’s thriving Europe-wide network of Business Incubation Centres, the ESA BIC UK is managed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and draws on both organisations’ outstanding track record in business incubation – providing a unique environment perfectly engineered to accelerate innovation and unlock commercial potential. Each year we support start-ups working in sectors including aerospace, healthcare, energy, agriculture and digital technology.
-
Oxford Space Systems
Oxford Space Systems’ vision is to become the global leader in deployable antennas for Space, providing effective solutions today for the space based services of the future. Oxford Space Systems offers a portfolio of antennas aimed at improving performance, maximising stowage efficiency and minimising mass.
-
RAL Space
As an integral part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), RAL Space is the space hub for UK Rese arch and Innovation, supporting its mission to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.
-
Satellite Applications Catapult
The Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC) is at the heart of the satellite services revolution, driving take-up of space technology and applications to shape, and sustain, the world of tomorrow. We’re driven by how our actions help the organisations we work with, both large and small, bring new services to market. By connecting industry and academia we get new research off the ground and into the market more quickly.
SAC also have numerous facilities, including the DISC, Operations Centre, and Antenna Test Ranges.
Partners & Academic Institutions
-
Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) champions Oxfordshire’s economic potential, acting as a catalyst and convener to drive a dynamic, sustainable and growing economy.
-
RAL Space
As an integral part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), RAL Space is the space hub for UK Rese arch and Innovation , supporting its mission to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.
Technical Focus
(Where 0 is no focus/experience and 3 is flagship focus/established experience)
Market Focus
(Where 0 is no focus/experience and 3 is flagship focus/established experience)
Keep in Touch
- Website: www.harwellcampus.com/space-cluster
- General Email: gemma.wilson@stfc.ac.uk
