CySpace Forum Highlights Opportunities at the Intersection of Space and Cyber Security
Last week, industry leaders, researchers and innovators from across the North East came together for the inaugural CySpace Forum, delivered by CyberNorth in partnership with Space North East England and the CySpace Connected Capabilities Network.
Hosted at Northumbria University, the event explored the growing relationship between the space and cyber sectors, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration, innovation and business growth within one of the UK's most exciting emerging markets.
The forum brought together organisations already operating in the space sector alongside companies considering how their expertise and technologies could support the industry's evolving needs.
Exploring Opportunities in the North East Space Economy
The event opened with an update from Richard Hopper, who shared developments from Northumbria University and provided an insight into the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), set to open next year. The facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the region's space capabilities, supporting research, skills development and industry collaboration.
Representing Space North East England, Fay Gibson highlighted the scale and diversity of the space supply chain, showcasing the wide range of opportunities available for businesses looking to enter or diversify into the sector. From advanced manufacturing and engineering to software, data and professional services, the discussion demonstrated how organisations across the region can contribute to the growing space economy.
Why Cyber Security Matters in Space
A keynote presentation from Craig Needham of the UK Space Agency explored the critical role that space technologies play in everyday life and the operation of national infrastructure. From communications and navigation to environmental monitoring and defence applications, space systems underpin services relied upon by millions of people every day.
As these capabilities continue to grow, so too does the importance of ensuring they remain secure. Craig outlined the cyber security challenges facing the sector and the need for resilient systems capable of protecting essential space-based infrastructure.
A Conversation on Entering the Space Sector
Craig also chaired a panel discussion focused on Pivoting into the Space Economy, bringing together experts from academia, industry and technology development.
Panellists included:
Ralph "Dinz" Dinsley, 3S Northumbria Ltd
Joanne Rout, Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC)
Khurram Hussain, AmbaSat
Simon Land, Inotec Solutions Ltd
Kirsty Lindsay, Northumbria University
The discussion provided valuable insight into the different routes organisations can take into the space sector, from commercialisation and research partnerships to supply chain development and cross-sector collaboration.
Panellists shared their experiences, challenges and opportunities, demonstrating how expertise from a range of industries can be applied to support the growth of the space economy.
Building Stronger Connections Across Sectors
The inaugural CySpace Forum highlighted the strength of the North East's innovation ecosystem and the benefits of bringing together expertise from both the cyber and space communities.
By encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing and new partnerships, events like the CySpace Forum are helping to create the connections needed to drive future innovation and unlock new opportunities for businesses across the region.
As the North East space sector continues to expand, initiatives such as CySpace will play an important role in ensuring organisations have the networks, knowledge and support needed to be part of that journey.
