Aberystwyth University has a strong focus on space science, particularly in the areas of Earth observation, planetary science, and space robotics. The university is involved in various space missions and has contributed to the development of instruments used on Mars rovers.

The University of Sheffield AMRC Cymru is a cutting-edge R&D facility, providing an open innovation platform accessible to all manufacturers of any size. Part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and a member of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, a consortium of leading manufacturing and process research centres backed by Innovate UK, our team de-risk R&D investment to drive step-change improvements in productivity, quality and sustainability.

Bangor University School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering conducts research in areas such as remote sensing, satellite image processing, and machine learning for Earth observation data analysis with a focus on marine sciences.

It also hosts the Nuclear Futures Institute, which is developing a world leading capability in nuclear science and engineering. The institute fosters industrial links and opportunities, working closely with UK industry. Space-related research includes the development of nuclear fuel cells for research into lunar habitation, and nuclear thermal fuels for deep space exploration.

Bangor University collaborates with international partners on space-related projects.

The Cardiff School of Technologies hosts the Centre for Intelligent Sensors and Systems, with strengths in photonics, optical fibre sensing, multimedia communications, and RF microelectronics; the EUREKA Robotics Centre, focused on autonomous service and social robots; and the Cybersecurity, Information Networks Centre, which aims to find solutions for next generation information networks.

The College of Physical Sciences and Engineering has research expertise in astronomy and astrophysics, propulsion, space observation, data analysis, and cosmology. It is involved in several international projects and collaborations, including the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Planck satellite mission and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) LiteBIRD mission.

The Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) is a new initiative, including a £29.9 M research and innovation facility, to bring together semiconductor and advanced materials platforms to research and develop new technologies and products at Swansea University. The facility will offer R&D, prototyping and process development capabilities. It will also offer opportunities for incubation and industry partners to have development space and support and provide access to training and development.

The CSA Catapult is a non-profit research and technology organisation helping UK companies develop advanced electronic systems using compound semiconductors. The Catapult is focussed on three market areas: efficient power technologies to achieve Net Zero, future telecom networks and advanced sensor systems. All three market areas are crucial to the development of space-based technology including low earth orbit satellite constellations for 5G and 6G service provision. Since 2022, it hosts the Space Enterprise Lab, (SEL) Newport, part of the SEL network of local places for space innovation.

DE&S Deca are an operating centre within DE&S dedicated to maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrade, procurement and managed services provision across Defence electronics, components and general equipment support. Their head office is located at MOD Sealand in North Wales, within the Deeside Enterprise Zone.

The GTRC at Cardiff University undertakes research in the field of novel combustion systems, components, and fuels, under elevated conditions of temperature and pressure. More information on specific equipment, including DERA/NASA test chambers, can be found here.

The National Microgravity Research Centre, led by Space Forge, will play a pivotal role in advancing in-space manufacturing research, with a primary focus on inorganic crystal structures grown in microgravity conditions for use in electronics.

Managed by Glyndwr Innovations, a subsidiary of Wrexham University, The OpTIC Technology centre is a unique business and technology centre linking R&D, Industry and Academia, offering conference facilities, meeting rooms, incubation and specialist engineering and research services. This includes a Precision Optical Systems Group, offering complete design and fabrication services for precision and complex optical systems including optical telescopes and instrumentation. Since 2024, it hosts Wales’ second Space Enterprise Lab, (SEL) OpTIC, part of the SEL network of local places for space innovation.

Radnor Range is a UK MoD accredited independent test house. It has its own explosive manufacturing, processing and pressing facilities, and the range also supports the flying of drones and counter-drone activity.

Snowdonia Space Centre, formerly known as Llanbedr Airfield, is a proposed spaceport facility in North Wales. The site is being developed with the aim of hosting horizontal satellite launches and suborbital flights, as well as serving as a hub for research, development, and testing in the space sector. The recently announced Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund will allow Snowdonia Aerospace and Newton Launch Systems to work collaboratively to provide affordable test facilities to expedite the development of space technologies from proof-of-concept to commercialisation, and to upskill the next generation of space professional through hands-on STEM experience and training. This will be done through the Space Technology Test Centre, due to be completed by March 2025.

The Spaceguard Centre is a working observatory, and the main source of information
about near Earth objects in the UK. Based in a remote area of dark skies in Powys, it is home to the National Near Earth Objects Information Centre.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers programmes in aerospace engineering, which include modules related to space systems, satellite design, and space mission analysis. It is also involved in research activities focusing on materials science and engineering for space applications (aerodynamics, computational modelling, and solar cells).

The University of South Wales offers programmes in aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering, teaching space systems, satellite technology, and space environment. Its research activities in the space sector include areas such as space weather, control and communication, astronaut health, and satellite communications.

The University hosts the Institute of Education and Humanities and Wales Institute of Science and Art, which have expertise in materials, computational modelling, applied computing, and non-destructive testing.

West Wales Airport, located at Aberporth, is centrally positioned within segregated flying zones of danger areas D201 and D202. Access to these areas, coupled with having created the only CAA accredited Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations manual in existence, enables provision of the most specialised capability in the UK for the operation of both large and small Unmanned Aircraft.

Wrexham University has research expertise in optics and photonics, space observation, and computational modelling. Glyndŵr Innovations at the OpTIC Technology Centre provides specialist engineering services in optical system and business support through an incubation programme and access to conference facilities. It also hosts the Space Enterprise Lab OpTIC, the latest addition to the SEL network, local places for space innovation.

The Wales Academic Space Partnership (WASP) was established by Space Wales to encourage co-operation between the nine Universities operating in the space sector in Wales and to strengthen the links with industry.

A report conducted by Urban Foresight, on behalf of this University of South Wales and Wales Innovation Network, highlights the research and development (RAD) capabilities and facilities relating to the space sector in Wales, including insight into the needs of these researchers that could be met by a space

Space Wales is a membership organisation, providing support and networking/promotional opportunities to our members.

A monthly series of networking event for Wales’ space sector that orbit the country, with a new location each month. These events are designed to encourage informal networking and collaboration between participants.

UK Space Agency funded Cross Cluster Partnership Project with Northern Ireland Space Office and Space East to address challenges and provide opportunities around issues faced surrounding harmful algal blooms and seaweed production and farming in the three regions.

A project funded by the UK Space Agency Space for All Programme to highlight key areas of Wales’ Space Sector and raise awareness of the variety of careers available as part of this.