£2.5 million boost for North East space sector

The North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA) will launch in 2025.

It is an exciting new collaboration designed to leverage the region’s expertise in space and satellite communications to drive innovation, skills development, and economic growth.

The initiative brings together Northumbria, Durham, and Newcastle universities, the North East Combined Authority, Space North East England, the North East Space Leadership Group, and 14 industry partners, all working together to bolster the region’s space sector.

NESCA is one of seven new projects funded through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme, which allocates £22 million across these initiatives to strengthen emerging and existing research clusters. The goal is to stimulate economic growth and address regional needs through focused innovation

Focus on innovation, people, and place

NESCA will focus on developing resilient space communications technology - an area where Durham University has already built a strong reputation for excellence. This aligns with ongoing efforts to build on the region’s recent investments in space skills, research, and innovation.

Over the next four years, NESCA will create new opportunities that will deliver long-term impact, particularly in driving economic growth and high-skilled job creation through three key strands:

• Innovation: An innovation fund will support the commercialisation of ideas, advancing them from proof of concept to market readiness. This fund will also be available to universities and organisations outside the region with expertise in space communications research.
• People: The people strand will focus on developing the skills needed in the space sector. This will be achieved through student summer schools and professional development opportunities for those already working in the industry.
• Place: NESCA will promote the North East as a key player in the space industry by supporting regional and national priorities. This will include showcasing the region at national and international space events and raising public awareness through engagement activities.

Supporting sustainable space innovation

NESCA’s collaborative approach brings together a range of diverse expertise to advance sustainable space technologies and resilient communications systems.

This initiative not only strengthens our region’s capabilities but also aligns with Durham’s commitment to creating long-term, responsible solutions for space exploration. Our new £5million Space Research Centre is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable future for space innovation. With a focus on responsible innovation, the centre brings together multidisciplinary expertise across space technology, operations, and space law to drive world-leading research and training.

Find out more

• For more information about the opportunities being created through NESCA email iaa@durham.ac.uk.
• Read more about our Space Research Centre