A new facility designed to help small businesses thrive in the UK
space sector has opened at Airbus Defence and Space's Stevenage
site, backed by £3.9 million from the UK Space Agency.
The Airbus Launchpad will provide SMEs, start-ups and
research organisations with access to
laboratories, workspaces and testing facilities through
a no-cost residency programme. The facility can accommodate over
50 people and aims to strengthen the UK space supply chain while
developing homegrown skills and capabilities.
The UK Space Agency funding comes from the Space Clusters
Infrastructure Fund and was match-funded by Airbus. Three
companies – Applied Atomics, Spintex and Stars Edge – will take
up residence from early February.
Space Minister said:
By backing our SMEs and start-ups, we're helping
brilliant British ideas become successful businesses that create
jobs and strengthen our supply chain. This partnership between
Airbus and the UK Space Agency shows what we can achieve when
industry and government work together to build a space sector
where the smallest of businesses can thrive.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:
The Airbus Launchpad is another important example of how
collaboration between industry leaders and innovative SMEs can
strengthen our space sector. By giving start-ups and smaller
businesses direct access to world-class facilities
and expertise, we're helping turn brilliant ideas
into the products and services of tomorrow. Our £3.9 million
investment through the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund will
help develop homegrown skills, diversify the supply chain, and
create new space capabilities for the UK.
The Airbus Launchpad forms part of Airbus' Community for
Space Prosperity programme, which aims to grow UK space supply
chain activity through research, innovation and
outreach.
Kata Escott, Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK, said:
Successful SMEs are essential for the future of the UK space
sector and I'm proud that we are able to use
our position as the UK's largest space company to lean in and
support their development. This initiative is about creating the
conditions for collaboration, innovation and growth. By
connecting with SMEs and innovators, and in partnership with the
Government, we are accelerating progress for the UK at a time
when it has never mattered more.
The Airbus Launchpad is the latest facility to open with support
from the UK Space Agency's Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund,
which is helping to build world-class facilities for the UK space
sector. Earlier this month, the £20 million Westcott
Space Hub opened in Buckinghamshire with £5.8 million in
government backing, providing testing facilities,
training spaces and commercial workspace for space
businesses.
