Satellite Applications Catapult Establishes Leicester Presence

Nafeesa Dajda

The Satellite Applications Catapult is pleased to announce the opening of its new office at Space Park Leicester. This office will be a home for activities designed to support and grow the space industry in the region and demonstrates the Catapult’s continued commitment to the development of the sector around the UK.

The new office will be staffed by a dedicated team of experts, who will engage locally with academia, entrepreneurs and businesses alike. The team will manage a wide range of space industry activities with a strong focus on the commercialisation of ideas that use Earth Observation data and technology. The plans for the site align with and aim to enhance Leicester’s regional ambition to become a world-leading centre for satellite data services and the rapid manufacturer of satellites.

At Space Park Leicester, the Satellite Applications Catapult also continues to collaborate with the University of Leicester to support their ongoing programmes in design and manufacture of satellite technology and missions with real-world applications.

Development of the Space Park Leicester facility is led by the University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). With the presence of the Catapult at Space Park Leicester, the region’s position as a hub for satellite collaboration, manufacture and research is further enhanced.

It also creates the potential for additional high-skilled jobs, offers opportunities for building the local skills base and contributes to the economic growth of the region.

Stuart Martin, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult commented:

“We are extremely excited by the announcement today, marking the start of the Catapult’s presence at Space Park Leicester. It provides another opportunity for businesses to benefit from the unique services the Catapult provides, and with the focus on Earth Observation data, ties in closely with much of the world-leading expertise at the University of Leicester. Huge congratulations are due to all the Leicester partners that have worked tirelessly to create this incredible facility.”

Nafeesa Dajda, Head of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s Regional Growth Team said:

“All the qualities that Space Park Leicester possesses will enable us to maximise the potential for us to do our work to continue to strengthen the potential for sustainable partnerships, collaboration and overall growth within our sector. The facility marks a significant and remarkable investment in a cluster focussed on space and satellites; and we are thrilled to be present in a common area to work with businesses and the University to foster new collaborations and partnerships. The fact that we will now be working in close-proximity with all of our Leicester partners will also add benefit to all stakeholders focused on satellite growth and overall UK space ambition. This physical presence further enhances our established innovation focussed partnerships with the University of Leicester.”

Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College for Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester commented:

“We are delighted that Satellite Applications Catapult has chosen Space Park Leicester as the base for their satellite expansion plans. The University is proud of our established record in applying satellite technology and space-derived data to solve real-world problems, and this collaboration will continue this important approach to delivering transformational change. We look forward to welcoming the Catapult team as one of our first co-location partners.”

To find out more information about Space Park Leicester visit: https://www.space-park.co.uk